BQ Boqii Holding Limited

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 6-K

 

REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER

PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16 UNDER

THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the month of December 2023

 

 

Commission File Number: 001-39547

 

 

Boqii Holding Limited

 

Building 9, No. 388, Shengrong Road
Pudong New District, Shanghai 201210

The People’s Republic of China

 

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.

 

Form 20-F ☒          Form 40-F ☐

 

 

 

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit No.		Description
99.1		Boqii Reports Fiscal 2024 First Half Unaudited Financial Results

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

	Boqii Holding Limited
	By:	/s/ Yingzhi (Lisa) Tang
	Name:	Yingzhi (Lisa) Tang
	Title:	Director, co-Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer

 

Date: December 20, 2023

 

 

2

Exhibit 99.1

 

Boqii Announces Fiscal 2024 First Half Unaudited Financial Results

 

Boqii Holding Limited (“We,” “Boqii” or the “Company”) (NYSE American: BQ), a leading pet-focused platform in China, today reported its unaudited financial results for the first half of fiscal year 2024 (i.e., the six months ended September 30, 2023).

 

Fiscal 2024 First Half Operational and Financial Highlights

 

●

Total revenues were RMB389.4 million (US$53.4 million), compared to RMB589.6 million in the first half of fiscal 2023.

 

●

Loss from operations was RMB31.7 million (US$4.3 million), compared to a loss from operations of RMB29.6 million in the first half of fiscal 2023.

 

●

Net loss was RMB37.7 million (US$5.2 million), compared to a loss of RMB29.5 million in the first half of fiscal 2023.

 

●

EBITDA1 was a loss of RMB33.5 million (US$4.6 million), compared to a loss of RMB 22.9 million in the first half of fiscal 2023.

 

●

Total GMV2 was RMB903.0 million (US$123.8 million), compared to RMB1,382.0 million in the first half of fiscal 2023.

 

●

Customer acquisition cost3 was RMB2.8, representing a decrease of 46.0% from RMB5.2 in the first half of fiscal 2023.

 

●

In September 2023, the Company entered into certain financing agreements with third party investors.

 

CEO & CFO Quote

 

Mr. Hao Liang, Boqii’s Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer commented, “Fluctuation in certain industry sectors and unfavorable capital market performance have affected consumer sentiment in the first half of fiscal 2024. Despite these challenges, we remain confident in our unique positioning in China’s expanding pet market. The revenue share of our private labels increased from 18.5% in the first half of fiscal 2023 to 27.5% in the first half of fiscal 2024, highlighting the multi-dimensional balanced development trend of Boqii pet ecology. In light of these, we remain optimistic towards our future development.”

 

Ms. Yingzhi (Lisa) Tang, Boqii’s Co-Founder, Co-CEO and CFO commented, “In the first half of fiscal 2024, we continued to optimize our operational capabilities and achieved stable results amid uncertain market environment. During the reporting period, our fulfilment expenses as a percentage of total revenue decreased from 11.6% in the first half of fiscal 2023 to 8.9% in the first half of fiscal 2024, and our customer acquisition cost hit the historic low, down by 46.0% year-over-year to merely RMB2.8. These results present our operational strengths and profitability potential. We are dedicated to creating a pet ecological closed loop, stable business development, and we will constantly create value for both our users and shareholders in the future. “

 

1

EBITDA refers to net loss excluding income tax expenses, interest expense, interest income, depreciation and amortization expenses. EBITDA is a Non-GAAP financial measurement. See the section titled “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for more information about EBITDA.

2

GMV refers to gross merchandise volume, which is the total value of confirmed orders placed with us and sold through distribution model or drop shipping model where we act as a principal in the transaction regardless of whether the products are delivered or returned, calculated based on the listed prices of the ordered products without taking into consideration any discounts. The total GMV amount (i) includes GMV of products sold by Xingmu, (ii) excludes products sold through consignment model and (iii) excludes the value of services offered by us. GMV is subject to future adjustments (such as refunds) and represents only one measure of the Company’s performance and should not be relied on as an indicator of our financial results, which depend on a variety of factors.

3

Customer acquisition cost refers to the average promotional expenses of acquiring a buyer.

 

 

Fiscal 2024 First Half Financial Results

 

Total revenues were RMB389.4 million (US$53.4 million), compared to RMB589.6 million for the first half of fiscal 2023, which is primarily due to the optimization of product mix related to our business strategy.

 

		Six Months Ended September 30,
Revenues		2023				2022				Change
(in millions, except for percentages)		RMB				RMB				%
Product sales			374.1				568.7				(34.2	)
●         Boqii Mall			149.9				238.6				(37.2	)
●         Third party e-commerce platforms			224.2				330.1				(32.1	)
Online marketing and information services and other revenue			15.3				20.9				(26.8	)
Total			389.4				589.6				(34.0	)

 

Gross profit was RMB77.9 million (US$10.7 million), compared to RMB123.9 million for the first half of fiscal 2023.

 

Gross margin was 20.0%, compared to 21.0% for the first half of fiscal 2023.

 

Operating expenses were RMB112.0 million (US$15.4 million), representing a decrease of 27.1% from RMB153.8 million for the first half of fiscal 2023. Operating expenses as a percentage of total revenues were 28.8%, compared to 26.1% for the first half of fiscal 2023.

 

●

Fulfillment expenses were RMB34.5 million (US$4.7 million), representing a decrease of 49.4% from RMB68.2 million for the first half of fiscal 2023. The decrease was primarily due to the decrease in shipping and handling expenses, resulting from a lower unit price of fulfillment compared to that for the first half of fiscal 2023. Fulfillment expenses as a percentage of total revenues were 8.9%, down from 11.6% for the first half of fiscal 2023.

 

●

Sales and marketing expenses were RMB45.4 million (US$6.2 million), representing a decrease of 28.6% from RMB63.5 million for the first half of fiscal 2023. The decrease was primarily due to (i) the decrease in advertising expenses of RMB7.8 million, as a result of our cost-saving efforts; (ii) the decrease in third-party commisions of 4.0 million; and (iii) the decrease in staff costs of RMB5.1 million related to the optimization of our organizational structure.

 

●

General and administrative expenses were RMB32.2 million (US$4.4 million), compared to RMB22.1 million for the first half of fiscal 2023. The increase was primarily due to (i) the increase in share-based compensation expenses of RMB6.1 million; and (ii) the increase of allowance for expected credit losses of RMB3.0 million from the receivables due from third parties.

 

Loss from operations was RMB31.7 million (US$4.3 million), compared to a loss from operations of RMB29.6 million for the first half of fiscal 2023.

 

Net loss was RMB37.7 million (US$5.2 million), compared to a loss of RMB29.5 million in the first half of fiscal 2023.

 

EBITDA was a loss of RMB33.5 million (US$4.6 million), compared to a loss of RMB 22.9 million in the first half of fiscal 2023. See the section titled “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for more information about EBITDA.

 

Diluted net loss per share was RMB0.52 (US$0.07), compared to diluted net loss per share of RMB0.43 for the first half of fiscal 2023.

 

 

Total cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments were RMB86.8 million (US$11.9 million), compared to RMB159.6 million as of March 31, 2023.

 

Conference Call

 

Boqii’s management will hold a conference call to discuss the financial results at 8:00 AM on Wednesday, December 20, 2023, U.S. Eastern Time (9:00 PM on Wednesday, December 20, 2023, Beijing/Hong Kong Time).

 

To join the conference, please dial in 15 minutes before the conference is scheduled to begin using below numbers.

 

	Phone Number
International	1-412-317-6061
United States	1-888-317-6003
Hong Kong	852 800 963-976
Mainland China	86 4001-206115
Passcode	1075217

 

A replay of the conference call may be accessed by phone at the following numbers until December 27, 2023.

 

	Phone Number
International	1-412-317-0088
United States	1-877-344-7529
Replay Access Code	7400342

 

A live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available on the Company’s investor relations website at http://ir.boqii.com/.

 

About Boqii Holding Limited

 

Boqii Holding Limited (NYSE American: BQ) is a leading pet-focused platform in China. The Company is the leading online destination for pet products and supplies in China with its broad selection of high-quality products including global leading brands, local emerging brands, and its own private label, Yoken, Mocare and D-cat, offered at competitive prices. The Company’s online sales platforms, including Boqii Mall and its flagship stores on third-party e-commerce platforms, provide customers with convenient access to a wide selection of high-quality pet products and an engaging and personalized shopping experience. The Company’s Boqii Community provides an informative and interactive content platform for users to share their knowledge and love for pets.

 

Safe Harbor Statement

 

This document contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, and a number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “target,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “potential,” “continue,” “is/are likely to” or other similar expressions. The Company may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its reports filed with, or furnished to, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in its annual reports to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties.Further information regarding such risks, uncertainties or factors is included in the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. All information provided in this document is as of the date hereof, and the Company does not undertake any duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law.

 

 

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

 

The Company uses non-GAAP financial measures, namely non-GAAP net loss, non-GAAP net loss margin, EBITDA and EBITDA margin, in evaluating its operating results and for financial and operational decision-making purposes. The Company defines (i) non-GAAP net loss as net loss excluding fair value change of derivative liabilities and share-based compensation expenses, (ii) non-GAAP net loss margin as non-GAAP net loss as a percentage of total revenues, (iii) EBITDA as net loss excluding income tax expenses, interest expenses, interest income, depreciation and amortization, and (iv) EBITDA margin as EBITDA as a percentage of total revenues. The Company believes non-GAAP net loss, non-GAAP net loss margin, EBITDA and EBITDA margin enhance investors’ overall understanding of its financial performance and allow for greater visibility with respect to key metrics used by its management in its financial and operational decision-making.

 

These non-GAAP financial measures are not defined under U.S. GAAP and are not presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. As these non-GAAP financial measures have limitations as analytical tools and may not be calculated in the same manner by all companies, they may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures used by other companies. The Company compensates for these limitations by reconciling the non-GAAP financial measures to the nearest U.S. GAAP performance measures, which should be considered when evaluating the Company’s performance. For reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, please see the section of accompanying tables titled “Reconciliation of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results.” The Company encourages investors and others to review its financial information in its entirety and not rely on any single financial measure.

 

Exchange Rate

 

This document contains translations of certain RMB amounts into U.S. dollars (“USD,“or “US$”) at specified rates solely for the convenience of the reader. Unless otherwise stated, all translations from RMB to USD were made at the rate of RMB7.2960 US$1.00, the noon buying rate in effect on September 29, 2023 in the H.10 statistical release of the Federal Reserve Board. The Company makes no representation that the RMB or USD amounts referred to could be converted into USD or RMB, as the case may be, at any particular rate or at all.

 

For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

 

In China:

 

Boqii Holding Limited

Investor Relations

Tel: +86-21-6882-6051

Email: ir@boqii.com

 

DLK Advisory Limited 

Tel: +852-2857-7101 

Email: ir@dlkadvisory.com

 

 

BOQII HOLDING LIMITED

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data, unless otherwise noted)

 

		As of March 31, 2023				As of September 30, 2023				As of September 30, 2023
		RMB				RMB				US$
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents			89,850				86,811				11,898
Short-term investments			69,797				-				-
Accounts receivable, net			76,767				75,231				10,311
Inventories, net			81,052				67,670				9,275
Prepayments and other current assets			77,997				84,474				11,579
Amounts due from related parties			9,362				9,346				1,281
Total current assets			404,825				323,532				44,344
Non-current assets:											-
Property and equipment, net			5,492				3,895				534
Intangible assets			21,594				19,711				2,701
Operating lease right-of-use assets			22,354				12,789				1,753
Long-term investments			75,607				67,699				9,279
Amounts due from related parties, non-current			2,851				5,015				687
Other non-current asset			5,252				3,901				536
Total non-current assets			133,150				113,010				15,490
Total assets			537,975				436,542				59,834
LIABILITIES, MEZZANINE EQUITY AND SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIT
Current liabilities
Short-term borrowings			86,261				15,288				2,095
Accounts payable			56,022				54,820				7,514
Salary and welfare payable			6,890				6,386				875
Accrued liabilities and other current liabilities			22,104				20,203				2,770
Amounts due to related parties, current			471				199				27
Contract liabilities			4,471				3,998				548
Operating lease liabilities, current			9,220				6,132				840
Derivative liabilities			10,701				13,917				1,907
Total current liabilities			196,140				120,943				16,576
Non-current liabilities
Deferred tax liabilities			4,141				3,204				439
Operating lease liabilities, non-current			12,741				7,121				976
Other debts, non-current			102,827				41,302				5,661
Total non-current liabilities			119,709				51,627				7,076
Total liabilities			315,849				172,570				23,652
Mezzanine equity
Redeemable non-controlling interests			7,197				7,567				1,037
Total mezzanine equity			7,197				7,567				1,037
Stockholders’ equity:
Class A ordinary shares			373				579				79
Class B ordinary shares			82				82				12
Additional paid-in capital			3,287,696				3,332,797				456,799
Statutory reserves			3,876				3,876				531
Accumulated other comprehensive loss			(37,189	)			(35,765	)			(4,902	)
Accumulated deficit			(2,995,975	)			(3,033,390	)			(415,760	)
Receivable for issuance of ordinary shares			(83,405	)			(50,567	)			(6,931	)
Total Boqii Holding Limited shareholders’ equity			175,458				217,612				29,828
Non-controlling interests			39,471				38,793				5,317
Total shareholders’ equity			214,929				256,405				35,145
Total liabilities, mezzanine equity and shareholders’ equity			537,975				436,542				59,834

 

Note: All translations from RMB to USD were made at the rate of RMB7.2960 US$1.00, the noon buying rate in effect on September 29, 2023 in the H.10 statistical release of the Federal Reserve Board.

 

 

BOQII HOLDING LIMITED

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

(All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data, unless otherwise noted)

 

		Six Months Ended September 30,
		2022				2023				2023
		RMB				RMB				US$
Net revenues:
Product sales			568,698				374,102				51,275
Online marketing and information services and other revenue			20,931				15,269				2,093
Total revenues			589,629				389,371				53,368
Total cost of revenue			(465,703	)			(311,435	)			(42,686	)
Gross profit			123,926				77,936				10,682
Operating expenses:
Fulfillment expenses			(68,161	)			(34,499	)			(4,728	)
Sales and marketing expenses			(63,530	)			(45,370	)			(6,218	)
General and administrative expenses			(22,066	)			(32,169	)			(4,409	)
Other income, net			242				2,401				329
Loss from operations			(29,589	)			(31,701	)			(4,344	)
Interest income			4,025				2,008				275
Interest expense			(7,193	)			(3,079	)			(422	)
Other gain/(losses), net			7,190				(2,283	)			(313	)
Fair value change of derivative liabilities			(4,534	)			(3,216	)			(441	)
Loss before income tax expenses and share of results of equity investees			(30,101	)			(38,271	)			(5,245	)
Income taxes expenses			418				482				66
Share of results of equity investees			184				67				9
Net loss			(29,499	)			(37,722	)			(5,170	)
Less: Net loss attributable to the non-controlling interest shareholders			(299	)			(677	)			(93	)
Net loss attributable to Boqii Holding Limited			(29,200	)			(37,045	)			(5,077	)
Accretion on redeemable non-controlling interests to redemption value			(323	)			(371	)			(51	)
Net loss attributable to Boqii Holding Limited’s ordinary shareholders			(29,523	)			(37,416	)			(5,128	)
Net loss			(29,499	)			(37,722	)			(5,170	)
Other comprehensive income/(loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of nil tax			22,329				2,849				390
Unrealized securities holding loss			(249	)			(1,425	)			(195	)
Total comprehensive loss			(7,419	)			(36,298	)			(4,975	)
Less: Total comprehensive loss attributable to non-controlling interest shareholders			(299	)			(677	)			(93	)
Total comprehensive loss attributable to Boqii Holding Limited			(7,120	)			(35,621	)			(4,882	)
Net loss attributable to Boqii Holding Limited’s ordinary shareholders
— basic			(0.43	)			(0.52	)			(0.07	)
— diluted			(0.43	)			(0.52	)			(0.07	)
Weighted average number of ordinary shares
— basic			68,841,500				72,332,794				72,332,794
— diluted			68,841,500				72,332,794				72,332,794

 

Note: All translations from RMB to USD were made at the rate of RMB7.2960 US$1.00, the noon buying rate in effect on September 29, 2023 in the H.10 statistical release of the Federal Reserve Board.

 

 

Boqii Holding Limited

Reconciliation of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results

(All amounts in thousands, except for percentages)

 

		Six Months Ended September 30,
		2022				2023
		RMB				RMB
Net loss			(29,499	)			(37,722	)
Fair value change of derivative liabilities			4,534				3,216
Share-based compensation expenses			(3,567	)			290
Non-GAAP net loss			(28,532	)			(34,216	)
Non-GAAP net loss margin			(4.8	%)			(8.8	%)

 

		Six Months Ended September 30,
		2022				2023
		RMB				RMB
Net loss			(29,499	)			(37,722	)
Income tax expenses			(418	)			(482	)
Interest expenses			7,193				3,079
Interest income			(4,025	)			(2,008	)
Depreciation and amortization			3,815				3,641
EBITDA			(22,934	)			(33,492	)
EBITDA margin			(3.9	%)			(8.6	%)

 

Note: All translations from RMB to USD were made at the rate of RMB7.2960 US$1.00, the noon buying rate in effect on September 29, 2023 in the H.10 statistical release of the Federal Reserve Board.

 

 

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