CLPS Incorporation Reports Financial Results for the Second Half and Full Year of Fiscal 2023

HONG KONG, Oct. 18, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- CLPS Incorporation (the "Company" or "CLPS") (Nasdaq: CLPS), today announced its financial results for the six months ended June 30, 2023 and full year of fiscal 2023.

During this period, the global economic landscape and international affairs have undergone remarkable transformations, driven by various factors such as the Federal Reserve interest rate adjustments and shifts in China's COVID-19 policies. This unprecedented chain of events had impacted both the macro and micro economies.

The Company experienced direct and indirect effects on its business development, particularly concerning the impact of exchange rate fluctuation between the RMB and the U.S. dollar, given its reporting currency. These challenges have provided CLPS with valuable insights and have strengthened its ability to navigate global economic dynamics effectively.

In addition, CLPS observed short term effects that involved gradual refinement in discretionary spending by some of its established clients, leading to a temporary reduction in demand for IT services, particularly in banking and e-commerce areas. However, CLPS view this as a chance to innovate and tailor its services to meet evolving client needs, positioning it for long-term growth and resilience.

The increased demand for IT professionals in response to rapid industry development and economic structural changes has naturally driven up compensation costs. Nevertheless, CLPS proactively addressed this issue through its Talent Creation Program and Talent Development Program, which seamlessly integrate education, training, and service delivery. These programs have not only alleviated the pressure of rising labor costs but also reinforced its commitment to nurturing top-tier talents.

Through continuous investment in advanced technology, extensive research, and a deep understanding of its clients' needs, CLPS has built a strong reputation in the industry, enhanced its competitiveness, and bolstered its bargaining power over the years.

Unaudited Second Half of Fiscal 2023 Highlights (all results compared to the six months ended June 30, 2022) 

• Revenue from wealth management area increased by 9.2% to $18.6 million from $17.0 million.
• Revenue from automotive area increased by 42.7% to $7.7 million from $5.4 million.
• Revenue generated outside of mainland China increased by 39.0% to $9.0 million from $6.5 million.
• Operating expenses decreased by 8.2% to $17.3 million from $18.8 million.
• Net loss was $1.2 million, compared to a net loss of $1.9 million.

Audited Fiscal Year 2023 Highlights (all results compared to the twelve months ended June 30, 2022) 

• Revenue from wealth management area increased by 16.3% to $37.4 million from $32.1 million.
• Revenue from automotive area increased by 36.4% to $14.2 million from $10.4 million.
• Revenue generated outside of mainland China increased by 14.6% to $16.2 million from $14.1 million.
• Net cash provided by operating activities increased by 203.2% to $9.7 million from $3.2 million.

Mr. Raymond Lin, Chief Executive Officer of CLPS, commented, "Our fiscal year 2023 witnessed a commendable upswing in our IT consulting services revenue, driven primarily by the remarkable growth from wealth management and automotive areas, surging to $37.4 million and $14.2 million, respectively. Equally notable was our ability to attract new clients, complementing the success story."

"One of the standout achievements this fiscal year was the 14.6% growth in overseas revenue, which increased to $16.2 million from $14.1 million, driven by our successful global expansion initiative. In particular, our presence in the United States grew, with revenue soaring to $2.8 million from $0.9 million, marking an impressive 214.6% increase. Our unwavering commitment to pursuing further expansion opportunities in North America underscores our global growth ambitions."

"Looking ahead in this dynamic market, we are excited to seize the opportunities presented by the reopening of the Chinese economy post-pandemic and our growing global presence. In addition to our fiscal year achievements, we are delighted to commemorate our 5th listing anniversary on Nasdaq. This milestone symbolizes our dedication to transparency, accountability, and sustained growth."

"As we navigate our future path, our commitment remains unwavering in delivering innovative solutions, exceptional service, and enduring value to our clients. As we embark on our next chapter, we are steadfast in our pursuit of excellence and innovation," concluded Mr. Lin.

Ms. Rui Yang, Chief Financial Officer of CLPS, commented, "Despite operating in a challenging industry environment and effect of currency fluctuations, CLPS delivered steady and sustainable financial performance. Our revenue increased by 6.5% in RMB terms, and we made progress in optimizing our expenses. Our operating expenses decreased by 20.9% in the second half of fiscal year 2023 and by 4.6% for the full year of fiscal 2023, excluding the impact of the deduction of goodwill caused by low stock price. We also saw a significant increase in our net cash from operating activities, up by 203.2% reinforcing our ability to capture new business opportunities and enhanced returns for our investors. Going forward, we remain committed to diversifying revenue streams and taking proactive steps to create value for our shareholders."

Unaudited Second Half of Fiscal Year 2023 Financial Results

Revenues

In the second half of fiscal 2023, revenues decreased by $2.5 million, or 3.3%, to $73.6 million from $76.1 million in the prior year period. The decrease in revenue was mainly due to the decreased demand in customized IT solution services.

Revenues by Service

• Revenue from IT consulting services decreased by $0.6 million, or 0.9%, to $71.5 million in the second half of fiscal 2023, from $72.1 million in the prior year period. Revenue from IT consulting services accounted for 97.1% of total revenue, compared to 94.8% in the prior year period. The decrease was due to the decreased demand from existing clients.
• Revenue from customized IT solution services decreased by $2.1 million, or 60.5%, to $1.4 million in the second half of fiscal 2023, from $3.5 million in the prior year period. Revenue from customized IT solution services accounted for 1.9% of total revenue, compared to 4.6% in the prior year period. The decrease was primarily due to the decreased demand from existing clients.
• Revenue from other services increased by $0.3 million, or 48.5%, to $0.8 million in the second half of fiscal 2023, from $0.5 million in the prior year period. Revenue from other services accounted for 1.0% of total revenue, compared to 0.7% in the prior year period. The increase was primarily due to the increased demand for other services, including head hunting service.

Revenues by Operational Areas

• Revenue from banking area decreased by $3.4 million, or 10.3% to $29.3 million in the second half of fiscal 2023, from $32.7 million in the prior year period. Revenue from banking area accounted for 39.8% and 42.9% of total revenues in the second half of fiscal 2023 and 2022, respectively.
• Revenue from wealth management area increased by $1.6 million, or 9.2% to $18.6 million in the second half of fiscal 2023, from $17.0 million in the prior year period. Revenue from wealth management area accounted for 25.2% and 22.3% of total revenues in the second half of fiscal 2023 and 2022, respectively.
• Revenue from e-Commerce area decreased by $3.3 million, or 21.6% to $11.7 million in the second half of fiscal 2023, from $15.0 million in the prior year period. Revenue from e-Commerce area accounted for 16.0% and 19.7% of total revenues in the second half of fiscal 2023 and 2022, respectively.
• Revenue from automotive area increased by $2.3 million, or 42.7% to $7.7 million in the second half of fiscal 2023, from $5.4 million in the prior year period. Revenue from automotive area accounted for 10.4% and 7.0% of total revenues in the second half of fiscal 2023 and 2022, respectively.

Revenues by Geography

• Revenue generated outside of mainland China increased by 39.0% to $9.0 million in the second half of fiscal year 2023, from $6.5 million in the prior year period. The increase was primarily to the strong performance of our operations in Hong Kong SAR and the U.S. markets.

Gross Profit

Gross profit decreased by $2.7 million, or 14.2%, to $16.0 million in the second half of fiscal 2023, from $18.7 million in the prior year period. The decrease was primarily due to the decreased demand in customized IT solution services.

Operating Expenses

Selling and marketing expenses decreased by $1.2 million, or 66.1%, to $0.6 million in the second half of fiscal 2023, from $1.8 million in the prior year period. As a percentage of total revenues, selling and marketing expenses decreased to 0.8% in the second half of fiscal 2023 compared to 2.4% in the prior year period. The decrease was primarily due to improved efficiency in talent acquisition using an intelligent automation solution, which helped the Company to reduce time and cost associated with the talent acquisition process.

Research and development expenses increased by $0.2 million, or 4.8%, to $4.0 million in the second half of fiscal 2023, from $3.8 million in the prior year period. As a percentage of total revenues, research and development expenses increased to 5.4% in the second half of fiscal 2023 compared to 5.0% in the prior year period. The increase was primarily due to the increased R&D personnel-related costs associated with the Company's ongoing research and development initiatives in cutting-edge technologies and new projects, such as AI-generated content (AIGC), CAKU 2.0, and a new generation of loan system.

General and administrative expenses decreased by $3.0 million, or 21.1%, to $10.9 million in the second half of fiscal 2023, from $13.9 million in the prior year period. As a percentage of total revenues, general and administrative expenses decreased to 14.9% in the second half of fiscal 2023 compared to 18.2% in the prior year period. The decrease was primarily due to refined management practices in response to the challenging industry environment, including the deduction of share-based compensation.

Operating Loss

Operating loss was $1.3 million in the second half of fiscal 2023, compared to operating loss of $0.2 million in the same period of the previous year. Operating margin was -1.7% compared to -0.2% in the prior year period.

Other Income and Expenses

Total other income, net of other expenses was $0.48 million in the second half of fiscal 2023, compared to $0.46 million total other income, net of other expenses in the prior year period.

Provision for Income Taxes

Provision for income taxes decreased by $1.7 million to $0.5 million in the second half of fiscal 2023, from $2.2 million in the same period of the previous year, mainly due to a higher effective tax rate of 25.0% in the second half of fiscal 2022, the standard statutory corporate income tax rate in mainland China. By renewing its High and New Technology Enterprise status in fiscal year 2023, the Company was entitled to a corporate income tax preferential rate of 15.0%.

Net (Loss) Income and EPS

Net loss was $1.2 million in the second half of fiscal 2023, compared to a net loss of $1.9 million in the prior year period.

Non-GAAP net income¹ was $1.7 million in the second half of fiscal 2023, compared to a Non-GAAP net income of $2.8 million in the prior year period.

Net loss attributable to CLPS Incorporation's shareholders was $1.1 million, or $0.05 basic and diluted losses per share in the second half of fiscal 2023, compared to a net loss attributable to CLPS Incorporation's shareholders of $1.8 million, or $0.08 basic and diluted losses per share in the second half of fiscal 2022.

Non-GAAP net income attributable to CLPS Incorporation's shareholders² was $1.8 million, or $0.08 basic and diluted earnings per share in the second half of fiscal 2023, compared to non-GAAP net income attributable to CLPS Incorporation's shareholders of $2.9 million, or $0.14 basic and diluted earnings per share in the second half of fiscal 2022.

Audited Fiscal Year 2023 Financial Results

Revenues

Revenues decreased by $1.6 million, or 1.1%, to $150.4 million in the fiscal year 2023, from $152.0 million in the prior year period. The decrease in revenue was mainly due to the decreased demand in customized IT solution services.

Revenues by Service

• Revenue from IT consulting services increased by $0.2 million, or 0.1%, to $144.3 million in the fiscal year 2023, from $144.1 million in the prior year period. Revenue from IT consulting services accounted for 96.0% of total revenue, compared to 94.8% in the prior year period. The increase was due to the increased demand from existing and new clients, and our improved service delivery capability.
• Revenue from customized IT solution services decreased by $2.1 million, or 32.4%, to $4.6 million in the fiscal year 2023, from $6.7 million in the prior year period. Revenue from customized IT solution services accounted for 3.0% of total revenue, compared to 4.4% in the prior year period. The decrease was primarily due to the decreased demand from existing clients.
• Revenue from other services increased by $0.3 million, or 27.2%, to $1.5 million in the fiscal year 2023, from $1.2 million in the prior year period. Revenue from other services accounted for 1.0% of total revenue, compared to 0.8% in the prior year period. The increase was primarily due to the increased demand for other services, including head hunting services.

Revenues by Operational Areas

• Revenue from banking area decreased by $6.2 million, or 9.1% to $61.5 million in the fiscal year 2023, from $67.7 million in the prior year period. Revenue from banking area accounted for 40.9% and 44.5% of total revenues in the fiscal year 2023 and 2022, respectively.
• Revenue from wealth management area increased by $5.2 million, or 16.3% to $37.4 million in the fiscal year 2023, from $32.1 million in the prior year period. Revenue from wealth management area accounted for 24.9% and 21.1% of total revenues in the fiscal year 2023 and 2022, respectively.
• Revenue from e-Commerce area decreased by $3.9 million, or 13.4% to $25.5 million in the fiscal year 2023, from $29.4 million in the prior year period. Revenue from e-Commerce area accounted for 16.9% and 19.3% of total revenues in the fiscal year 2023 and 2022, respectively.
• Revenue from automotive area increased by $3.8 million, or 36.4% to $14.2 million from $10.4 million in the prior year period. Revenue from automotive area accounted for 9.4% and 6.8% of total revenues in the fiscal year 2023 and 2022, respectively.

Revenues by Geography

• Revenue generated outside of mainland China increased by 14.6% to $16.2 million in the fiscal year 2023, from $14.1 million in the prior year period. The increase was primarily to the strong performance of our operations in Hong Kong SAR and the U.S. markets, which reflects the Company's successful and continuous implementation of its global expansion strategy.

Gross Profit

Gross profit decreased by $6.5 million, or 15.9%, to $34.5 million in the fiscal year 2023, from $41.0 million in the prior year period. The decrease was primarily due to the increase in IT professional compensation costs.

Operating Expenses

Selling and marketing expenses decreased by $0.8 million, or 19.6%, to $3.3 million in the fiscal year 2023, from $4.1 million in the prior year period. As a percentage of total revenues, selling and marketing expenses decreased to 2.2% in the fiscal year 2023 compared to 2.7% in the prior year period. The decrease was primarily due to improved efficiency in talent acquisition using an intelligent automation solution, which helped the Company to reduce time and cost associated with the talent acquisition process.

Research and development expenses increased by $0.3 million, or 4.6%, to $8.3 million in the fiscal year 2023, from $8.0 million in the prior year period. As a percentage of total revenues, research and development expenses increased to 5.5% in the fiscal year 2023 compared to 5.2% in the prior year period. The increase was primarily due to the increased R&D personnel-related costs associated with the Company's ongoing research and development initiatives in cutting-edge technologies and new projects, such as AI-generated content (AIGC), CAKU 2.0, and a new generation of loan system.

General and administrative expenses decreased by $1.4 million, or 6.1%, to $21.6 million in the fiscal year 2023, from $23.0 million in the prior year period. As a percentage of total revenues, general and administrative expenses decreased to 14.4% in the fiscal year 2023 compared to 15.2% in the prior year period. The decrease was primarily due to refined management practices in response to the challenging industry environment, including the deduction of share-based compensation.

Operating Income

Operating income was $76.4 thousand, compared to an operating income of $7.4 million in the same period of the previous year. Operating margin was 0.1% in the fiscal year 2023, compared to 4.9% in the prior year period.

Other Income and Expenses

Total other income, net of other expenses was $0.7 million in the fiscal year 2023, compared to $0.3 million total other income, net of other expenses in the prior year period.

Provision for Income Taxes

Provision for income taxes decreased by $2.3 million to $0.7 million in the fiscal year 2023, from $3.0 million in the same period of the previous year, mainly due to a decrease in earnings before taxes. Another factor contributing to this is the higher effective tax rate of 25.0% in the second half of fiscal 2022, the standard statutory corporate income tax rate in mainland China. By renewing its High and New Technology Enterprise status in fiscal year 2023, the Company was entitled to a corporate income tax preferential rate of 15.0%.

Net Income and EPS

Net income decreased by $4.4 million, or 96.4%, to $0.17 million in the fiscal year 2023, from $4.6 million in the prior year period.

Non-GAAP net income¹ decreased by $6.8 million, or 57.3%, to $5.0 million in the fiscal year 2023, from $11.8 million in the same period of the previous year.

Net income attributable to CLPS Incorporation's shareholders was $0.19 million, or $0.01 basic and diluted earnings per share in the fiscal year 2023, compared to net income attributable to CLPS Incorporation's shareholders of $4.5 million, or $0.21 basic and diluted earnings per share in fiscal year 2022.

Non-GAAP net income attributable to CLPS Incorporation's shareholders² was $5.1 million, or $0.22 basic and diluted earnings per share in the fiscal year 2023, compared to non-GAAP net income attributable to CLPS Incorporation's shareholders of $11.6 million, or $0.56 basic and $0.55 diluted earnings per share in the fiscal year 2022.

Cash Flow

As of June 30, 2023, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $22.2 million compared to $18.4 million as of June 30, 2022.

Net cash provided by operating activities was $9.7 million for the twelve months ended June 30, 2023. Net cash used in investing activities was $0.3 million. Net cash used in financing activities was approximately $4.3 million. The effect of exchange rate change on cash was approximately negative $1.2 million. The Company believes that its current cash position and cash flow from operations are sufficient to meet its anticipated cash needs for at least the next 12 months.

Financial Outlook

Undeterred by the short-term challenges, we remain confident about our long-term business growth. For fiscal year 2024, the Company expects, considering our financial numbers could be affected by the floating exchange rate, and absent material acquisitions or non-recurring transactions, total sales growth in the range of approximately 10% to 15%, non-GAAP net income growth in the range of approximately 12% to 17% compared to fiscal year 2023 financial results.

This forecast reflects the Company's current and preliminary views, which are subject to change and are subject to risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to various risks and uncertainties facing the Company's business and operations as identified in its public filings.

Exchange Rate

The balance sheet amounts with the exception of equity as of June 30, 2023, were translated at 7.2513 RMB to 1.00 USD compared to 6.6981 RMB to 1.00 USD as of June 30, 2022. The equity accounts were stated at their historical rate. The average translation rates applied to the income statements accounts for the periods ended June 30, 2023 and 2022 were 6.9536 RMB to 1.00 USD and 6.4554 RMB to 1.00 USD, respectively. The change in the value of the RMB relative to the U.S. dollar may affect our financial results reported in the U.S. dollar terms without giving effect to any underlying change in our business or results of operation.

About CLPS Incorporation

Headquartered in Hong Kong, CLPS Incorporation (the "Company") (Nasdaq: CLPS) is a global leading information technology ("IT") consulting and solutions service provider focused on delivering services primarily to global institutions on the banking, wealth management, e-commerce, and automotive sectors. The Company serves as an IT service provider to a growing network of clients in the global financial service industry, including large financial institutions in the U.S., Europe, Australia, Asia, and their PRC-based IT centers. The Company maintains 20 delivery and/or research & development centers to serve different customers in various geographic locations. Mainland China centers are located in Shanghai, Beijing, Dalian, Tianjin, Xi'an, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Hangzhou, and Hainan. The remaining 10 global centers are located in Hong Kong SAR, USA, Japan, Singapore, Australia, Malaysia, India, Philippines, Vietnam, and Canada. For further information regarding the Company, please visit: https://ir.clpsglobal.com/, or follow CLPS on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain of the statements made in this press release are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning and protections of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements include statements with respect to the Company's beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, expectations, anticipations, assumptions, estimates, intentions, and future performance, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may be beyond the Company's control, and which may cause the actual results, performance, capital, ownership or achievements of the Company to be materially different from future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. All such statements attributable to us are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary notice, including, without limitation, those risks and uncertainties related to the Company's financial and operational performance in the second half and full year of fiscal 2023, its expectations of the Company's future performance, its preliminary outlook and guidance offered in this presentation, as well as the risks and uncertainties described in the Company's most recently filed SEC reports and filings. Such reports are available upon request from the Company, or from the Securities and Exchange Commission, including through the SEC's Internet website at http://www.sec.gov. We have no obligation and do not undertake to update, revise or correct any of the forward-looking statements after the date hereof, or after the respective dates on which any such statements otherwise are made.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

The consolidated financial information is prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP"), except that the consolidated statement of changes in shareholders' equity, consolidated statements of cash flows, and the detailed notes have not been presented. The Company uses non-GAAP operating income, non-GAAP general and administrative expenses, non-GAAP operating margin, non-GAAP net income attributable to CLPS Incorporation's shareholders, and basic and diluted non-GAAP net income per share, which are non-GAAP financial measures. Non-GAAP operating income is operating income excluding share-based compensation expenses and impairment of goodwill. Non-GAAP general and administrative expenses is a non-GAAP financial measure, which is defined as general and administrative expenses excluding share-based compensation expenses. Non-GAAP operating margin is non-GAAP operating income as a percentage of revenues. Non-GAAP net income attributable to CLPS Incorporation's shareholders is net income attributable to CLPS Incorporation's shareholders excluding share-based compensation expenses and impairment of goodwill. Basic and diluted non-GAAP net income per share is non-GAAP net income attributable to common shareholders divided by weighted average number of shares used in the calculation of basic and diluted net income per share. The Company believes that separate analysis and exclusion of the non-cash impact of share-based compensation expenses and impairment of goodwill clarity to the constituent parts of its performance. The Company reviews these non-GAAP financial measures together with GAAP financial measures to obtain a better understanding of its operating performance. It uses the non-GAAP financial measure for planning, forecasting and measuring results against the forecast. The Company believes that non-GAAP financial measure is useful supplemental information for investors and analysts to assess its operating performance without the effect of non-cash share-based compensation expenses and impairment of goodwill, which have been and will continue to be significant recurring expenses in its business. However, the use of non-GAAP financial measures has material limitations as an analytical tool. One of the limitations of using non-GAAP financial measures is that they do not include all items that impact the Company's net income for the period. In addition, because non-GAAP financial measures are not measured in the same manner by all companies, they may not be comparable to other similar titled measures used by other companies. In light of the foregoing limitations, you should not consider non-GAAP financial measure in isolation from or as an alternative to the financial measure prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

The presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures is not intended to be considered in isolation from, or as a substitute for, the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The Company encourages investors to carefully consider its results under GAAP, as well as its supplemental non-GAAP information and the reconciliation between these presentations, to more fully understand its business. For more information on these non-GAAP financial measures, please see the table captioned "Reconciliations of Non-GAAP and GAAP Results" near the end of this release.

Contact:   
CLPS Incorporation
Rhon Galicha
Investor Relations Office
Phone: +86-182-2192-5378
Email: [email protected]

SOURCE CLPS