ZKH ZKH Group Limited

SHANGHAI, March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- ZKH Group Limited ("ZKH" or the "Company") (NYSE: ZKH), a leading maintenance, repair and operations ("MRO") procurement service platform in China, today announced its unaudited financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2024.

Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2024 Operational and Financial Highlights 

"2024 presented a dynamic demand landscape, yet we delivered robust performance, further solidifying our leadership in China's MRO industry and expanding our global footprint." stated Mr. Eric Long Chen, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ZKH. "During the past year, we continued to enhance our profitability, bolstered by a growing customer base, increased customer loyalty, and advancements in digitalization and artificial intelligence. Notably, in 2024, we reached a significant milestone by broadening our international presence, particularly as our U.S. operations gained momentum. Looking ahead, we remain steadfast in our commitment to enhancing our products and supply chain capabilities and advancing our digitalization and artificial intelligence initiatives. While our strategic business optimization initiatives temporarily affected overall GMV growth, we believe the impact of these adjustments has gradually faded, placing us on a stronger path toward solid and sustainable growth, and we are confident that we will achieve full-year profitability for our domestic operations in 2025."

Mr. Max Chun Chiu Lai, Chief Financial Officer of ZKH, added, "Despite challenges in the demand environment and the impacts of business optimization, we concluded the year with resilient results, alongside overall enhancements in profitability. This is reflected in the improvement in both gross margin and net margin in 2024, driven by our expanded business scale and continued efforts to optimize our supply chain, sales force, and organizational structure. Our cash position has also strengthened, as we generated net cash of RMB170.7 million from operating activities in the fourth quarter and RMB229.1 million in 2024, marking our third consecutive quarter and our first full year of positive net cash inflow from operating activities. With this solid foundation, we are poised to leverage future growth opportunities and enhance shareholder returns."

Fourth Quarter 2024 Financial Results

Net Revenues. Net revenues were RMB2,370.2 million (US$324.7 million), representing a decrease of 3.0% from RMB2,444.0 million in the same period of 2023, mainly due to the optimization of certain businesses with low margins and long customer credit terms under the marketplace model.

• Net Product Revenues. Net product revenues were RMB2,303.5 million (US$315.6 million), representing a decrease of 0.9% from RMB2,325.0 million in the same period of 2023, primarily due to lower revenues generated on the GBB platform.
• Net Service Revenues. Net service revenues were RMB51.2 million (US$7.0 million), a decrease of 48.0% from RMB98.6 million in the same period of 2023, primarily due to the optimization of certain businesses with low margins and long customer credit terms under the marketplace model.
• Other Revenues. Other revenues were RMB15.5 million (US$2.1 million), a decrease of 23.7% from RMB20.4 million in the same period of 2023, mainly due to lower revenues from warehousing and logistic services and operating lease services for certain types of machinery and equipment.

Cost of Revenues. Cost of revenues was RMB1,965.2 million (US$269.2 million), representing a decrease of 3.0% from RMB2,026.8 million in the same period of 2023, mainly due to the effectiveness of the Company's measures to reduce overall product procurement costs.

Gross Profit and Gross Margin. Gross profit was RMB405.0 million (US$55.5 million), representing a decrease of 2.9% from RMB417.2 million in the same period of 2023. Gross margin was 17.1%, remaining flat compared with the same period of 2023, mainly due to lower revenue contribution from the marketplace model, while both the gross margin of the product sales model and the take rate of the marketplace model from the ZKH Platform increased, driven by business optimization, reduced procurement costs, and higher proportion of GMV from higher-margin private label products. 

Operating Expenses. Operating expenses were RMB437.6 million (US$59.9 million), an increase of 3.2% from RMB423.9 million in the same period of 2023. Operating expenses as a percentage of net revenues were 18.5%, compared with 17.3% in the same period of 2023. Excluding the share-based compensation expenses, operating expenses as a percentage of net revenues were 17.9%, compared with 17.1% in the same period of 2023.

• Fulfillment Expenses. Fulfillment expenses were RMB95.1 million (US$13.0 million), a decrease of 11.8% from RMB107.8 million in the same period of 2023. The decrease was primarily attributable to lower employee benefit costs, warehouse rental costs, and distribution expenses. Fulfillment expenses as a percentage of net revenues were 4.0%, compared with 4.4% in the same period of 2023.
• Sales and Marketing Expenses. Sales and marketing expenses were RMB151.6 million (US$20.8 million), a decrease of 10.9% from RMB170.0 million in the same period of 2023. The decrease was primarily attributable to lower marketing and promotion expenses and travel expenses. Sales and marketing expenses as a percentage of net revenues were 6.4%, compared with 7.0% in the same period of 2023.
• Research and Development Expenses. Research and development expenses were RMB41.4 million (US$5.7 million), an increase of 9.5% from RMB37.8 million in the same period of 2023. The increase was primarily attributable to higher employee benefit costs and expenses related to technology and information services, such as cloud services. Research and development expenses as a percentage of net revenues were 1.7%, compared with 1.5% in the same period of 2023.
• General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses were RMB149.5 million (US$20.5 million), an increase of 38.1% from RMB108.2million in the same period of 2023. The increase was primarily attributable to higher employee benefit costs and share-based compensation expenses. General and administrative expenses as a percentage of net revenues were 6.3%, compared with 4.4% in the same period of 2023.

Loss from Operations. Loss from operations was RMB32.6 million (US$4.5 million), compared with RMB6.8 million in the same period of 2023. Operating loss margin was 1.4%, compared with 0.3% in the same period of 2023.

Non-GAAP EBITDA. Non-GAAP EBITDA was negative RMB13.3 million (US$1.8 million), compared with RMB43.3 million in the same period of 2023. Non-GAAP EBITDA margin was negative 0.6%, compared with 1.8% in the same period of 2023.

Net (Loss)/Profit. Net loss was RMB29.1 million (US4.0 million), compared with net profit of RMB20.2 million in the same period of 2023. Net loss margin was 1.2%, compared with net profit margin of 0.8% in the same period of 2023.

Non-GAAP Adjusted Net (Loss)/Profit. Non-GAAP adjusted net loss was RMB15.0 million (US$2.1 million), compared with non-GAAP adjusted net profit of RMB27.5 million in the same period of 2023. Non-GAAP adjusted net loss margin was 0.6%, compared with non-GAAP adjusted net profit margin of 1.1% in the same period of 2023.

Basic and Diluted Net (Loss)/Profit per ADS^[6] and Non-GAAP Adjusted Basic and Diluted Net (Loss)/Profit per ADS^[7]. Basic and diluted net loss per ADS were RMB0.18 (US$0.02), compared with basic and diluted net profit per ADS of RMB0.98 in the same period of 2023. Non-GAAP adjusted basic and diluted net loss per ADS were RMB0.09(US$0.01), compared with non-GAAP adjusted basic and diluted net profit per ADS of RMB0.45 in the same period of 2023.

Fiscal Year 2024 Financial Results

Net Revenues. Net revenues were RMB8,761.3 million (US$1,200.3 million), representing an increase of 0.5% from RMB8,721.2 million in 2023, primarily driven by higher revenues from the product sales model, partially offset by a decline in revenues from the marketplace model due to the optimization of certain businesses with low margins and long customer credit terms.

• Net Product Revenues. Net product revenues were RMB8,449.5 million (US$1,157.6 million), representing an increase of 1.3% from RMB8,341.6 million in 2023. The increase was mainly attributable to higher revenues generated from the ZKH platform and the GBB platform, primarily driven by increased customer numbers.
• Net Service Revenues. Net service revenues were RMB244.7 million (US$33.5 million), a decrease of 20.4% from RMB307.4 million in 2023, primarily due to the optimization of certain businesses with low margins and long customer credit terms under the marketplace model.
• Other Revenues. Other revenues were RMB67.1 million (US$9.2 million), a decrease of 7.0% from RMB72.2 million in 2023, mainly attributable to lower revenues generated from the Company's warehousing and logistic services and operating lease services for certain types of machinery and equipment.

Cost of Revenues. Cost of revenues was RMB7,250.8 million (US$993.4 million), representing a decrease of 0.2% from RMB7,268.7 million in 2023, mainly due to the effectiveness of the Company's measures to reduce overall product procurement costs.

Gross Profit and Gross Margin. Gross profit was RMB1,510.5 million (US$206.9 million), an increase of 4.0% from RMB1,452.4 million in 2023. Gross margin was 17.2%, compared with 16.7% in 2023, primarily due to improved gross margin of the product sales model from the ZKH Platform, resulting from business optimization, reduced procurement costs, and higher proportion of GMV from higher-margin private label products.

Operating Expenses. Total operating expenses were RMB1,849.2 million (US$253.3 million), a decrease of 0.1% from RMB1,851.2 million in 2023. Operating expenses as a percentage of net revenues were 21.1%, compared with 21.2% in 2023. Excluding the share-based compensation expenses, operating expenses as of a percentage of net revenues were 19.9%, compared with 21.0% in 2023.

• Fulfillment Expenses. Fulfillment expenses were RMB391.7 million (US$53.7 million), a decrease of 10.8% from RMB439.0 million in 2023. The decrease was primarily attributable to lower employee benefit costs, warehouse rental costs, and distribution expenses. Fulfillment expenses as a percentage of net revenues were 4.5%, compared with 5.0% in 2023.
• Sales and Marketing Expenses. Sales and marketing expenses were RMB641.5 million (US$87.9 million), a decrease of 8.5% from RMB700.8 million in 2023. The decrease was primarily attributable to lower employee benefit costs, marketing and promotion expenses and travel expenses. Sales and marketing expenses as a percentage of net revenues were 7.3%, compared with 8.0% in 2023.
• Research and Development Expenses. Research and development expenses were RMB169.5 million (US$23.2 million), a decrease of 3.6% from RMB175.9 million in 2023. The decrease was primarily attributable to lower employee benefit costs and traveling expenses, partially offset by higher expenses related to technology and information services, such as cloud services. Research and development expenses as a percentage of net revenues were 1.9%, compared with 2.0% in 2023.
• General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses were RMB646.5 million (US$88.6 million), an increase of 20.7% from RMB535.5 million in 2023. The increase was primarily attributable to higher share-based compensation expenses and allowance for credit losses, partially offset by lower employee benefit costs and travel expenses. General and administrative expenses as a percentage of net revenues were 7.4%, compared with 6.1% in the same period of 2023.

Loss from Operations. Loss from operations was RMB338.8 million (US$46.4 million), compared with RMB398.7 million in 2023. Operating loss margin was 3.9%, compared with 4.6% in 2023.

Non-GAAP EBITDA. Non-GAAP EBITDA was negative RMB193.3 million (US$26.5 million), compared with negative RMB211.9 million in 2023. Non-GAAP EBITDA margin was negative 2.2%, compared with negative 2.4% in 2023.

Net Loss. Net loss was RMB268.0 million (US$36.7 million), compared with RMB304.9 million in 2023. Net loss margin was 3.1%, compared with 3.5% in 2023.

Non-GAAP Adjusted Net Loss. Non-GAAP adjusted net loss was RMB159.5 million (US$21.9 million), compared with RMB287.5 million in 2023. Non-GAAP adjusted net loss margin was 1.8%, compared with 3.3% in 2023.

Basic and Diluted Net Loss per ADS and Non-GAAP Adjusted Basic and Diluted Net Loss per ADS. Basic and diluted net loss per ADS were RMB1.64 (US$0.22), compared with RMB22.08 in 2023. Non-GAAP adjusted basic and diluted net loss per ADS were RMB0.97 (US$0.13), compared with RMB6.58 in 2023.

Balance Sheet and Cash Flow

As of December 31, 2024, the Company had cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and short-term investments of RMB2.06 billion (US$282.3 million), compared with RMB2.12 billion as of December 31, 2023.

Net cash generated from operating activities was RMB170.7 million (US$23.4 million) in the fourth quarter of 2024, compared with net cash used in operating activities of RMB59.3 million in the same period of 2023. Net cash generated from operating activities was RMB229.1 million (US$31.4 million) in 2024, compared with net cash used in operating activities of RMB567.9 million in 2023.

Exchange Rate

This announcement contains translations of certain Renminbi ("RMB") amounts into U.S. dollars ("US$") at specified rates solely for the convenience of the reader. Unless otherwise noted, all translations from RMB to US$ were made at a rate of RMB7.2993 to US$1.00, the exchange rate in effect as of December 31, 2024, as set forth in the H.10 statistical release of The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. The Company makes no representation that any RMB or US$ amounts could have been, or could be, converted into US$ or RMB, as the case may be, at any particular rate, or at all.

Conference Call Information

The Company's management will hold a conference call on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at 8:00 A.M. U.S. Eastern Time or 8:00 P.M. Beijing Time to discuss its financial results and operating performance for the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2024.

The replay will be accessible through March 25, 2025 by dialing the following numbers:

A live and archived webcast of the conference call will also be available on the Company's investor relations website at https://ir.zkh.com.

About ZKH Group Limited

ZKH Group Limited (NYSE: ZKH) is a leading MRO procurement service platform in China, dedicated to propelling the MRO industry's digital transformation to drive cost reduction and efficiency improvement industry-wide. Leveraging its outstanding product selection and recommendation capabilities, ZKH provides digitalized, one-stop MRO procurement solutions that enable its customers to transparently and efficiently access a wide selection of quality products at competitive prices. The Company also facilitates timely and reliable product delivery with professional fulfillment services. By catering specifically to the needs of MRO suppliers and customers through its unmatched digital infrastructure, the Company empowers all participants in the value chain to achieve more.

For more information, please visit: https://ir.zkh.com.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures 

This press release contains the following non-GAAP financial measures: non-GAAP adjusted net loss, non-GAAP adjusted net loss per ADS, basic and diluted, and non-GAAP EBITDA. The non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered in isolation from or construed as alternatives to their most directly comparable financial measures prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Investors are encouraged to review the historical non-GAAP financial measures in reconciliation to their most directly comparable GAAP financial measures.

The Company defines non-GAAP adjusted net loss for a specific period as net loss in the same period excluding share-based compensation expenses. The Company defines non-GAAP EBITDA as net loss before interest expenses, income tax expenses/(benefits) and depreciation and amortization expenses. Non-GAAP adjusted net loss per ADS is calculated by dividing adjusted net loss attributable to the Company's ordinary shareholders by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the periods and then multiplied by 35.

The Company presents these non-GAAP financial measures because they are used by the management to evaluate the Company's operating performance and formulate business plans. The Company believes that these non-GAAP financial measures help identify underlying trends in its business that could otherwise be distorted by the effect of certain expenses that are included in net loss and certain expenses that are not expected to result in future cash payments or that are non-recurring in nature. The Company also believes that the use of these non-GAAP financial measures facilitates investors' assessment of its operating performance, enhances the overall understanding of its past performance and future prospects and allows for greater visibility with respect to key metrics used by the management in financial and operational decision making.

The non-GAAP financial measures have material limitations as analytical metrics and may not be calculated in the same manner by all companies. The Company's non-GAAP financial measures do not include all income and expense items that affect the Company's operations. They may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures used by other companies. In light of the foregoing limitations, you should not consider the non-GAAP financial measures as substitutes for, or superior to, their most directly comparable financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP. The Company encourages investors and others to review its 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 Non-GAAP Results" set forth at the end of this press release.

Safe Harbor Statement 

This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "may," "will," "expects," "anticipates," "aim," "estimates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "is/are likely to," "potential," "continue," and similar statements. Among other things, the quotations from management in this press release and ZKH's strategic and operational plans contain forward-looking statements. ZKH 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 release 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 ZKH'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: ZKH's mission, goals and strategies; ZKH's future business development, financial condition and results of operations; the expected changes in its revenues, expenses or expenditures; the expected growth of the MRO procurement service industry in China and globally; changes in customer or product mix; ZKH's expectations regarding the prospects of its business model and the demand for and market acceptance of its products and services; ZKH's expectations regarding its relationships with customers, suppliers, and service providers on its platform; competition in the Company's industry; government policies and regulations relating to ZKH's industry; general economic and business conditions in China and globally; the outcome of any current and future legal or administrative proceedings; and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in ZKH's filings with the SEC. All information provided herein is as of the date of this announcement, and ZKH undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

In China:

ZKH Group Limited
IR Department
E-mail: IR@zkh.com

Piacente Financial Communications
Hui Fan
Tel: +86-10-6508-0677
E-mail: zkh@thepiacentegroup.com

In the United States:

Piacente Financial Communications
Brandi Piacente
Tel: +1-212-481-2050
E-mail: zkh@thepiacentegroup.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/zkh-group-limited-announces-fourth-quarter-and-fiscal-year-2024-unaudited-financial-results-302404117.html

SOURCE ZKH Group Limited