Income Tax Expense
Income tax expense was RMB260.9 million ($40.0 million), compared to RMB500.4 million in 2019. The decrease was primarily attributable to the realization of previously uncertain preferential tax rates for certain subsidiaries that were determined to be eligible for preferential tax rate in 2020.
Net Income attributable to Autohome Inc. and EPS
Net income attributable to Autohome Inc. was RMB3,405.2 million ($521.9 million) in 2020, compared to RMB3,200.0 million in 2019. Basic and diluted earnings per share/per ADS (“EPS”) were RMB28.53 ($4.37) and RMB28.40 ($4.35), respectively, compared to basic and diluted EPS of RMB26.99 and RMB26.77, respectively, in 2019.
Adjusted Net Income attributable to Autohome Inc. (Non-GAAP) and Non-GAAP EPS
Adjusted net income attributable to Autohome Inc. (Non-GAAP), defined as net income attributable to Autohome Inc. excluding share-based compensation expenses and amortization expenses of intangible assets related to acquisitions, was RMB3,621.0 million ($554.9 million) in 2020, compared to RMB3,408.5 million in 2019. Non-GAAP basic and diluted EPS were RMB30.33 ($4.65) and RMB30.19 ($4.63), respectively, compared to non-GAAP basic and diluted EPS of RMB28.74 and RMB28.52, respectively, in 2019.
Balance Sheet and Cash Flow
As of December 31, 2020, the Company had cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments of RMB14.63 billion ($2,242.1 million). Net cash provided by operating activities in the year of 2020 was RMB3.33 billion ($509.7 million).
Annual Dividend
The Board has approved a dividend of US$0.87 per ADS (or US$0.2175 per ordinary share after reflecting the proposed 4-for-1 share split) for fiscal year 2020, which is expected to be paid on March 5, 2021 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on February 25, 2021.
Under the Company’s annual dividend policy approved on November 4, 2019, the annual dividend has been set at an amount equivalent to approximately 20% of the Company’s net income in the previous fiscal year, which policy started from 2020. The determination to make future dividend distributions, and the exact amount of such distributions in any particular year, will be based upon the Company’s operations and earnings, cash flow, financial condition and other relevant factors, and subject to adjustment and determination by the Board.
Employees
The Company had 3,905 employees as of December 31, 2020.
Business Outlook
Autohome currently expects to generate net revenues in the range of RMB1,810.0 million ($277.4 million) to RMB1,840.0 million ($282.0 million) in the first quarter of fiscal year 2021. The Company’s revenue guidance includes approximately RMB100.0 million ($15.3 million) revenues from TTP Car, Inc. for the first quarter of 2021, which was acquired in the end of December, 2020 and the operating results of which will be fully included in the Company’s consolidated financial statement for the first quarter of 2021. This forecast reflects the Company’s current and preliminary view on the market and its operating conditions, which are subject to change, particularly in view of the potential ongoing impact of the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic.
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