BingEx Q4 2024 Earnings Call Transcript

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March 12, 2025

There are 5 speakers on the call.

Operator

Good day, and welcome to BinX twenty twenty four Fourth Quarter and Full Year Financial Results Conference Call. Today's conference is being recorded. At this time, I would like to turn the conference over to Helen Wu from The Pacanta Group.

Operator

Please go ahead.

Speaker 1

Thank you, operator. During this call, we will discuss our business outlook and make forward looking statements. These statements are based on our predictions and expectations as of today. Actual events or results could differ materially from those mentioned in today's news release and in this discussed due to a number of risks and uncertainties, including those mentioned in our most recent filings with the SEC. The non GAAP financial measures provide are for comparison purpose only, a definition of these measures and a consolidation table available in the news release we issued earlier today.

Speaker 1

As a reminder, this conference is being recorded. In addition, a webcast replay of this conference call will be available on the FlashX company's IR website at ir.ishansong.com. Furthermore, throughout the call, we will consistently use the company's brand name, Flash EX, to refer to its publicly listed entity, Bing EX Limited. Joining us today from Flash EX Senior Management are Mr. Adam Xue, Founder, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer Mr.

Speaker 1

Hong Jianyu, Co Founder, Director and Executive President and Mr. Luke Tang, Chief Financial Officer. I will now turn the call over to Mr. Adam Xue.

Speaker 2

Thank you. Hello, everyone, and welcome to FlashEx fourth quarter and full year twenty twenty four earnings call. In the fourth quarter, Flash EX recorded total revenue of RMB1 billion. Gross margin rose to 10%, representing a 1.4 percentage point year on year increase. Non GAAP net profit for the quarter was RMB20 million.

Speaker 2

For the full year, total revenue remained steady at RMB4.5 billion. Filled by ongoing improvements in operational efficiency, the company achieved 2.3 percentage point increase in gross margin for the year, while non GAAP net profit surged by an impressive 82% compared to the previous year. Moreover, the average gross profit per order rose by 21% year on year. And excluding the solid resilience and competitive strength derived from FlashX differentiated market positioning amid an intensely competitive industry landscape. 2024 stands as a milestone year in FlashX journey, highlighted by sustained growth and broad industry recognition.

Speaker 2

Flash EX also become China's number one on demand dedicated courier service brand for ten consecutive years. A prestigious title that not only validates our decade of exceptional service, but also pays tribute to each of our committed employees and diligent flash writers who brave all conditions to ensure excellence in every delivery. Since our inception, we have remained focused on on demand dedicated career model, understanding that every order bears our users' trust and expectations. From order placement to final delivery, we prioritize precession ensuring a seamless point to point experience that meets real time needs. Our unwavering attention to detail and pursuit of excellence have made FlashEx a household name and the billboard of the intra city on demand dedicated career industry.

Speaker 2

By the end of twenty twenty four, FlashEx service spanned two ninety five cities across China, supported by a network of 2,800,000 registered riders and 100,000,000 users. The total number of orders fulfilled in full year 2024 reached two seventy seven million, making an increase from 2023. FlashEx made its debut on NASDAQ this year, taking a crucial step forward with its capital market entry. Our successful IPO underscores the market's confidence in our strategic positioning and industry leadership, while also is developing a strong foundation for the company's sustained development and growing brand influence. 2024 was also a year of both accomplishment and challenges.

Speaker 2

The on demand delivery market grew increasingly competitive with numerous industry player expanding into this sector. However, we firmly believe that the true service excellence lies in unwavering attention to detail and efficiency. That's why Flash EX remains committed to the on demand dedicated query model, dedicating every flash rider to a single order from pickup to drop off, free from distractions. This approach guarantees fast, seamless and personalized point to point deliveries, ensuring that every order is not just received, but also handled with utmost care. To further elevate service quality, FlashX conducts meticulous analysis of the news details, distinct characteristics and specific logistical requirements of various product categories.

Speaker 2

Leveraging this insight, we developed tailored solutions that address the unique challenges of each delivery scenario. For delicate and perishable items such as birthday cakes, we have implemented advanced protective measures to ensure their flawless arrival even in the peak heart of summer. For high value electronics, we have enhanced our insurance framework providing comprehensive coverage to mitigate risks at every stage of delivery from merchant to customer. Simultaneously, we have strengthened protections for our riders ensuring their rights and well-being are safeguarded throughout the delivery process. Furthermore, we provide tailored services for discerning customers and those with specialized needs, including personalized transportation options, customized rider attire and exclusive protect specific packaging solutions.

Speaker 2

With our professionalism and procession reflected in every detail, Flash EX strives to deliver an exceptional and elevated value experience for our users. In 2024, we launched the customer delivery boxes in select cities, designed with adjustable compartments to meet the specific requirements of different product categories. We intend to expand this initiative to additional cities, further elevating both delivery security and service excellence. It is a seemingly subtle yet performable impactful details that create FlashEx unparalleled competitive edge in on demand delivery market, securing our unique position in an intensely competitive environment. Flash EX is also accelerating its digital management transformation, leveraging cutting edge digital systems and processes to elevate operational efficiency.

Speaker 2

This ensures the seamless alignment of premium delivery resources with high value users even during peak period such as holidays or challenging weather conditions. By delivering constantly punctual and secure services, we cultivate strong word-of-mouth advocacy, further solidifying our brand reputation while our superior user experience continues to drive sustained order volume growth. To further elevate our scheduling systems intelligence and efficiency, we have progressively integrated DeepSeq into our service infrastructure and developed a unique algorithm tailored to our on demand dedicated query model. This algorithm optimized order allocation, substantially enhancing delivery efficiency. Accordingly, we reduced average delivery time for full year '20 '20 '4 to twenty six point eight minutes.

Speaker 2

On the company's operational level, we have completed the privatized deployment of DeepSeq and developed an operational assistant that serves multiple departments, including product and operations. This assistant has significantly streamlined daily workflows, boosting overall efficiency. Looking ahead, FlashX will continue exploring the application of big data models and cutting edge technologies across diverse verticals and throughout the entire value chain to drive the intelligent advancement of our organizational operations, data analysis and decision making capabilities. Meanwhile, we have enhanced and iterated our customer service system nationwide. The upgraded system features automated capabilities to efficiently handle customer complaints related to delivery delays.

Speaker 2

This advancement has not only reduced operational costs, but also ensures that user inquiries and requests are addressed properly and accurately, significantly elevating overall customer satisfaction. On a related note, we conducted a comprehensive organizational review and optimization in the fourth quarter aimed at driving ongoing cost efficiency improvements through a more strategic organizational structure and clear duty allocation. These efforts not only helped FlashX internal operational effectiveness, but also provided us with a significant competitive advantage, further cementing our leadership in on demand dedicated careers industry, While continuously enhancing the user experience, Flash EX has always viewed our riders' welfare and career development as central to the company's overall growth Through a comprehensive approach, Expanse welfare benefits, professional development, operational support and cultural initiatives, we carefully protect our riders' rights and interests, cultivating a strong sense of belonging and professional pride. By the end of twenty twenty four, FlashX has successfully established 11 riders' homes across 10 cities nationwide. These facilities not only provide riders with one stop services such as rest, recharging and the vehicle maintenance, but also serve as welcoming gathering places for them to share experiences and stories.

Speaker 2

In addition, we have partnered with dedicated merchants to jointly create over 3,600 rider energy stations in more than 100 cities across the country, offering riders more convenient energy replenishment and rest areas. As part of our commitment to prioritizing our riders' health and well-being, we have implemented a vehicle rescue service to ensure riders receive prompt and effective assistance in the event of an emergency. Furthermore, we conduct regular safety training programs combining theoretical instruction with hands on practice to continually strengthen rider safety, awareness and emergency response capabilities. Moreover, we continually refine various systems to foster more efficient and supportive working environment for vendors by leveraging cutting edge order matching algorithms, dynamic intelligent dispatch systems and robust safety protocols to ensure precise order allocation and seamless scheduling, effectively reducing riders' wait times. This not only enhances their delivery efficiency, but also ensures the stability and sustainability of their income.

Speaker 2

Since 2022, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security in collaboration with other relevant departments has initiated a trial of occupational injury insurance for people in new forms of employment across seven provinces and municipalities, facilities, including Beijing, Jiangsu, etcetera. Over the past two years, the trail has expanded its coverage to four key industries: ride hailing, food delivery, on demand delivery and intra city logistics. As an active participant, Flash EX has adopted a pre order payment model to provide riders with enhanced protection, ensuring comprehensive coverage for every delivery. At Flash EX, we firmly believe that the only by genuinely supporting and nurturing each rider can we truly enhanced service quality as they are the cornerstone of our exceptional, efficient and differentiated delivery experience. Moving forward, we will remain committed to our founding principles, an on demand dedicated career model.

Speaker 2

We will continue to prioritize our core users and core values, gain a deeper understanding of users' diverse needs and constantly striving to deliver a more personalized and differentiated service experience. We will also continue to expand our category coverage offering users an even broader range of convenient options. Meanwhile, we will leverage big data analytics and user research to accurately capture evolving market trends As we constantly amplify our presence in the individual industrial market, we will also strengthen our collaborations with business customers and enhance service scenarios to deliver premium, efficient and tailored delivery services to a growing user base. Finally, Flash EX will embrace a more open and innovative approach in 2025, elevating the service experience while cooperating with industry partners to propel the sustainable and healthy growth of the on demand dedicated creative sector. And then I will hand over to CFO, Luke, to introduce more financial details.

Speaker 3

Thank you, Adam. Hello, everyone. This is Luke. In 2024, our unique on demand dedicated courier model remained strong and resilient. Demonstrated by sustained growth in the total number of orders fulfilled throughout the year, we are also delighted to see that our efforts to improve operational efficiency have delivered positive outcomes with gross profit margins exhibiting healthy growth in both the fourth quarter and the full year 2024.

Speaker 3

Meanwhile, non GAAP net income for the full year 2024 saw a strong upswing of 82% compared to 2023 with non GAAP net margin rising by 2.1 percentage points to 4.5%. Now let me walk you through the key highlights of our fourth quarter and the full year 2024 financial results. For the fourth quarter, we recorded total revenues of RMB1 billion. Total revenues for the full year 2024 reached RMB4.5 billion, remaining largely stable compared to 2023 despite intensified market competition. Our cost of revenues decreased by 60.5% year over year to RMB926 million for the fourth quarter, primarily due to the improved operating efficiency on rider force and the decreased flash riders' remuneration and incentives to fulfill orders.

Speaker 3

Our gross profit was RMB102.9 million for the fourth quarter, mostly flat with the same period of 2023. Gross profit for the full year 2024 grew significantly to RMB499.6 million, representing a year over year increase of 24.3%. Gross profit margin grew by 1.4 percentage points and 2.3 percentage points for the fourth quarter and full year 2024, respectively. Turning to operating expenses. Our total operating expenses were RMB255.6 million for the fourth quarter, consisting of selling and marketing expenses of RMB90.3 million, general and administrative expenses of RMB 85,000,000 and research and development expenses of RMB 80,400,000.0.

Speaker 3

The increase in operating expenses was primarily attributed to the immediately recognition of accumulated share based compensation expenses, subject to IPO conditions under U. S. GAAP. Excluding share based compensation expenses, our non GAAP income from operations was RMB7.3 million for the fourth quarter. Non GAAP income for operations for the full year 2024 soared to RMB134.3 million from RMB10.6 million in 2023.

Speaker 3

Other income was RMB7.3 million for the fourth quarter and RMB41.7 million for the full year 2024, compared with RMB40.2 million and 74,300,000.0 for the fourth quarter and full year 2023, respectively. The decrease in this was primarily due to a lower amount of government grants. Let's move to our non GAAP net income, which stood at RMB20.1 million for the fourth quarter. Non GAAP net income for full year 2024 surged 82% year over year to RMB201.3 million. Our cash position remained healthy with cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and short term investments totaling RMB703 $3,000,000 as of 12/31/2024.

Speaker 3

As we move into 2025, we remain committed to our on demand dedicated courier model, reinforcing FlashX's unique market position. We will also deepen our efforts to optimize corporate structure and enhance operational efficiency supported by our differentiated service model and the solid financial foundation. We are confident in our ability to drive sustainable growth. That concludes our prepared remarks. We do like now to open the floor to your questions.

Speaker 3

Operator, please go ahead.

Operator

Thank you. We will now begin the question and answer session. We will now take our first question from the line of Jesse Hsu from Deutsche Bank. Please ask your question, Jesse.

Speaker 4

Hi, good evening, Angmen. This is Jesse Xu from Deutsche Bank. Congratulations on very resilient results and a tough environment last year. Thanks for taking my questions. I have two questions.

Speaker 4

The first one is on macro. Understood that in the past few months, we have seen some policy stimulus and overall consumption sentiment seems bust out. So I want to check-in whether we see any changes in our operating environment year to date. And my second question is about our outlook for 2025. Can management elaborate on your outlook in terms of other volume or revenue or margins for the New Year?

Speaker 4

And what would be the key growth drivers? Thank you.

Speaker 2

Thank you, Jesse. This is Adam speaking. Recently, a series of government initiatives, including trading programs, have significantly strengthened consumer confidence as overall sentiment improves. Growing consumer demand has directly driven the expansion of on demand delivery volumes. Notably, the rapid rise of emerging e commerce format such as live streaming and social commerce has injected fresh momentum into the market, fueling additional growth in the on demand delivery sector.

Speaker 2

In response to this evolving market dynamics and the growing demand for hair service quality, Flash EX will enhance and upgrade its business operations in the following key areas. The first one is optimizing operational process, leveraging big data analytics to enhance order matching efficiency and optimize delivery routes, enabling faster response times and improved overall operational performance. Additionally, by integrating DeepSeek into the customer service system, Flash EX will proactively enhance service quality, uphold its strong reputation and further strengthen user engagement on the platform. But the second is category driven strategy. Flash EX will conduct in-depth analysis of storage and transportation challenges associated with core product categories, developing targeted solutions to address these pain points.

Speaker 2

Moving forward, we aim to create a distinctly differentiated experience by adopting a vertical approach to key product categories, aligning them with FlashX's specialized fulfillment capabilities. By addressing the unique needs of users across various categories, we will further strengthen our differentiated fulfillment expertise. In summary, we will enhance our business operations by optimizing our operational processes, strengthening user experience and differentiation and implementing a category and customer experience driven strategy, all designed to improve our operational capabilities and better adapt to market change, while meeting the evolving needs of our customers. Thank you.

Operator

Thank you. Our next question comes from the line of Susan Jiang from CICC. Please ask your question, Susan.

Speaker 4

Thank you, the management team for taking my question. I'm Sifan from CICC. I've got three questions here today. The first question is, what will be our outlook on industry demand for 2025? The second question is, may I ask our assessment of the competitive landscape of the industry this year?

Speaker 4

The third question is, recently there has been discussion about providing social insurance for riders in the on demand delivery industry. Or we are stand on assisting riders with their social insurance? Thank you.

Speaker 2

Thank you for your question. Firstly, demand growth remains resilient. Recent policy signals indicate that the support for customer sectors will further strengthen in 2025 with the gradual recovery of the macroeconomic environment and the continued deepening of e commerce penetration, delivery volumes are poised for sustained robust expansion. At the same time, the emergence of new e commerce formats such as live streaming and social commerce has drawn more players into the logistics sectors. These innovations not only enhance efficiency, but also elevate the shopping experience, promoting more local merchants to engage directly from customers and deliver fast, high quality logistics services to meet the rising market demand.

Speaker 2

Second, consumers are placing increasingly emphasis on delivery timeliness, personalization and customer experience as e commerce offering diversifying and customer preference become more discerning. Customers not only seek premium products, but also expect an elevated customer experience characterized by greater efficiency and reliability. This includes increasing demand for security, speed and meticulous attention to detail, especially during special occasions and festive events. On the policy front, the continued expansion of the trade in program is set to drive hair purchase frequency of premium consumer. From the merchants' perspective, fast and secure delivery services are instrumental in enhancing our customer experience and satisfaction, ultimately strengthening brand reputation and fostering long term growth for business in specialized sectors such as florists, bakeries and high end restaurants.

Speaker 2

The need for personalized high quality delivery experience is even more pronounced. Flash EX has conducted in-depth analysis of the logistic pinpoints associated with various product categories and develop tailored solutions accordingly by implementing enhanced protective measures ranging from optimized packaging to specialized transportation vehicles and refining its insurance mechanism to better mitigate risks. Flash EX ensured that its delivery service for merchants are both highly reliable and customized to their unique requirements. Finally, digital transformation is accelerating the logistic industry's development with a widespread adoption and continuous evolution of big data models, technologies such as intelligent order matching, route optimization and AI driven customer service are becoming deeply integrated into operations, driving significant improvements in efficiency and service quality. Flash EX actively embraces technological advancements.

Speaker 2

We have fully deployed the DeepCake system and developed a pre oratory algorithm tailored especially to our on demand dedicated career model. These advancements have markedly enhanced order matching, precession and fulfillment efficiency. Meanwhile, we have comprehensively upgraded our nationwide customer system infrastructure, significantly reducing response times for users' inquiries and feedback while streaming operational costs. We also continue to optimize internal processes by harnessing the power of big data analytics, fortifying our market position and reinforcing our long term competitive edge. To the second question, first, we foresee that the competitive dynamic within the intercity delivery industry will persist in 2025.

Speaker 2

However, leading companies will maintain a distinct competitive advantage as consumers demand for quality continue to rise and business client increasingly prioritize customer experience, top tier companies that focus on detail and consistency will gain greater favor with users. Fostering powerful word-of-mouth and establishing a dominant market position. As these leading brands expand their skill and enhance their market recognition, their user loyalty will also grow, thereby strengthening their market competitiveness and laying a solid foundation for sustainable long term growth. Secondly, digital operations have emerged as a core competitive advantage for intra city delivery companies. Through digitalization, companies can not only achieve effective cost control and sustained revenue growth, but also significantly bolster customer loyalty and optimize network efficiency.

Speaker 2

Take Flash EX as an example. We have proactively integrated big data driven technologies, enabling us to reduce average delivery time in twenty twenty four to just twenty six point eight minutes. Furthermore, our operational efficiency enhancements have not only elevated our user experiences, but also significantly improved our profitability. Simultaneously, the mid to end mid to high end market presents vast growth potential as both consumers and business clients place every greater emphasis on quality and personalized services. The mid to high end delivery market is poised for continued expansion.

Speaker 2

This segment will become a primary focus for intra city delivery companies. Flash EX will remain committed to the on demand dedicated courier model, reinforcing and broadening our leadership in this area by providing swift, high quality and tailored customer experiences. And for the third question, Flash EX has always viewed rider's welfare and clear development as crucial to its business growth. The company is committed to safeguarding riders' rides across various aspects, while actively fostering a strong sense of professional pride and belonging among this workforce. By the end of twenty twenty four, Flash EX has successfully established 11 riders' homes in 10 cities nationwide.

Speaker 2

This hub offers riders a comprehensive range of services including rest, recharging and vehicle maintenance while also providing a welcoming space for interaction and experience sharing. Furthermore, in close partnership with Partners Merchant, we have set up over 3,600 Ryder Energy stations across 100 cities. This station offers riders timely energy replenishment and comfortable rest areas ensuring they feel supported and valued during their busy hours. To enhance rider safety, we regularly hold safety training sessions that plan theoretical instructions with hands on exercises, continuously strengthening riders' awareness and improving their ability to respond to emergencies. Additionally, as the company expands our system evolve, we are dedicated to create more efficient and convenient work environment for riders, helping them complete orders more swiftly and ensuring the stability and sustainability of their income.

Speaker 2

Thank you.

Operator

Thank you. And that concludes the question and answer session. I will now turn the call to Helen Wu for closing remarks.

Speaker 1

Thank you once again for joining BEX twenty twenty four fourth quarter and full year financial results and the business updated conference call today. If you have any further questions, please contact the IR team and the BEX or PSNT Financial Communications. Thank you and have a great day.

Operator

Thank you for your participation in today's conference. This does conclude the program. You may now disconnect.

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BingEx Q4 2024
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