Vipshop
Annual Report 2017

Plain-text annual report

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 FORM 20-F (Mark One) (cid:1) REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR 12(g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (cid:2) ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 OR For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 (cid:1) TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 OR For the transition period from to OR (cid:1) SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 Date of event requiring this shell company report Commission file number: 001-35454 VIPSHOP HOLDINGS LIMITED (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter) N/A (Translation of Registrant’s Name Into English) Cayman Islands (Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization) No. 20 Huahai Street, Liwan District, Guangzhou 510370 People’s Republic of China (Address of Principal Executive Offices) Donghao Yang, Chief Financial Officer Vipshop Holdings Limited No. 20 Huahai Street Liwan District, Guangzhou 510370 People’s Republic of China Telephone: +86 (20) 2233-0000 Facsimile: +86 (20) 2233-0111 (Name, Telephone, Email and/or Facsimile Number and Address of Company Contact Person) Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: Title of Each Class American depositary shares, each representing 0.2 Class A ordinary share, par value $0.0001 per share Class A ordinary shares, par value $0.0001 per share* Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered New York Stock Exchange * Not for trading, but only in connection with the listing of American depositary shares on the New York Stock Exchange. Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act: None (Title of Class) None (Title of Class) Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report: 114,716,587 Class A ordinary shares, par value US$0.0001 per share, 16,510,358 Class B ordinary shares, par value US$0.0001 per share, as of December 31, 2017. Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. (cid:2) Yes (cid:1) No If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. (cid:1) Yes (cid:2) No Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. (cid:2) Yes (cid:1) No Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). (cid:2) Yes (cid:1) No Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of ‘‘large accelerated filer,’’ ‘‘accelerated filer,’’ and ‘‘emerging growth company’’ in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (cid:2) (cid:1) Large Accelerated Filer Non-Accelerated Filer Accelerated Filer Emerging Growth Company (cid:1) (cid:1) If an emerging growth company that prepares its financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards† provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. (cid:1) † The term ‘‘new or revised financial accounting standard’’ refers to any update issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board to its Accounting Standards Codification after April 5, 2012. Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing: U.S. GAAP (cid:2) International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (cid:1) Other (cid:1) If ‘‘Other’’ has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow. (cid:1) Item 17 (cid:1) Item 18 If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). (cid:1) Yes (cid:2) No (APPLICABLE ONLY TO ISSUERS INVOLVED IN BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDINGS DURING THE PAST FIVE YEARS) Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed all documents and reports required to be filed by Section 12, 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan confirmed by a court. (cid:1) Yes (cid:1) No TABLE OF CONTENTS PART I. ITEM 1. ITEM 2. ITEM 3. ITEM 4. ITEM 4A. ITEM 5. ITEM 6. ITEM 7. ITEM 8. ITEM 9. ITEM 10. ITEM 11. ITEM 12. IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS . . . OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . KEY INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS . . . . . . FINANCIAL INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . THE OFFER AND LISTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ADDITIONAL INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES . . . . PART II. ITEM 13. ITEM 14. DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES . . . . . . . . . . MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ITEM 15. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ITEM 16A. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ITEM 16B. CODE OF ETHICS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ITEM 16C. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ITEM 16D. EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT 2 2 2 44 81 82 111 125 126 127 128 139 141 142 142 142 143 144 144 COMMITTEES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144 ITEM 16E. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CHANGE IN REGISTRANT’S CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT . . . . . . . . . . . . . ITEM 16F. ITEM 16G. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ITEM 16H. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PART III. ITEM 17. ITEM 18. ITEM 19. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FINANCIAL STATEMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . EXHIBITS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145 145 145 146 146 146 146 i INTRODUCTION Unless otherwise indicated and except where the context otherwise requires, in this annual report on Form 20-F: (cid:127) ‘‘active customers’’ refers to registered members who have purchased from us or our online marketplace platforms at least once during the relevant period; (cid:127) ‘‘ADSs’’ refers to our American depositary shares, each of which represents 0.2 Class A ordinary share; (cid:127) ‘‘China’’ or ‘‘PRC’’ refers to the People’s Republic of China, excluding, for the purpose of this annual report only, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau; (cid:127) ‘‘cumulative customers’’ refers to all customers who had purchased products from us at least once during the period from our inception on August 22, 2008 to a specified date; (cid:127) ‘‘daily unique visitors’’ refers to the number of different IP addresses from which our Vipshop Online Platform is visited during a given day; (cid:127) ‘‘monthly unique visitors’’ refers to the number of different IP addresses from which our Vipshop Online Platform is visited during a given month; (cid:127) a ‘‘registered member’’ refers to any consumer who has registered and created an account with us; (cid:127) ‘‘Renminbi’’ or ‘‘RMB’’ refers to the legal currency of China, and ‘‘$,’’ ‘‘US$,’’ ‘‘dollars,’’ or ‘‘U.S. dollars’’ refers to the legal currency of the United States; (cid:127) ‘‘repeat customers’’ refers to, for a given period, any customer who (i) is an active customer during such period, and (ii) had purchased products from us or our online marketplace platforms at least twice during the period from our inception on August 22, 2008 to the end of such period. Orders placed by a repeat customer during a given period include all orders placed by the customer during such period even if the customer made the first purchase from us in the same period; (cid:127) ‘‘Sequoia Entities’’ refers to, as the context may require, any or all of our shareholding entities affiliated with Sequoia Capital China; (cid:127) ‘‘shares’’ or ‘‘ordinary shares’’ refers to our ordinary shares, which include both Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares, par value US$0.0001 per share; (cid:127) ‘‘total orders’’ refers to the total number of orders placed during the relevant period, including the orders for products and services sold in our online sales business and on our online marketplace platforms, net of orders returned; (cid:127) ‘‘Vipshop Online Platform’’ refers to our Vipshop App mobile application and our vip.com website; and (cid:127) ‘‘we,’’ ‘‘us,’’ or ‘‘our company’’ refers to Vipshop Holdings Limited, its subsidiaries and consolidated affiliated entities. Effective November 3, 2014, we changed our ADS to Class A ordinary share ratio from one ADS representing two ordinary shares to five ADSs representing one Class A ordinary share. The computation of U.S. GAAP and non-U.S. GAAP income per diluted ADS has been adjusted retrospectively for all periods presented to reflect this change. 1 PART I. ITEM 1. IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS Not applicable. ITEM 2. OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE Not applicable. ITEM 3. KEY INFORMATION A. Selected Financial Data Selected Consolidated Financial Data The following selected consolidated statements of income data for the three years ended December 31, 2015, 2016, and 2017 and the selected consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2016 and 2017 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this annual report. The selected consolidated financial data should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements and related notes and ‘‘Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects’’ in this annual report. Our consolidated financial statements are prepared and presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, or U.S. GAAP. Our selected consolidated statements of income data for the two years ended December 31, 2013 and 2014, and our selected consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2013, 2014, and 2015 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements not included in this annual report. 2 Our historical results do not necessarily indicate results expected for any future periods. For the Year Ended December 31, 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 RMB’000 % RMB’000 % RMB’000 % RMB’000 % RMB’000 US$’000 % (in RMB’000 or US$’000, except percentages and number of shares and per share and per ADS data) 10,321,836 98,958 99.1 0.9 22,685,111 444,202 98.1 1.9 39,409,961 793,251 98.0 2.0 55,281,900 1,309,402 97.7 2.3 71,171,653 1,740,660 10,938,883 267,535 97.6 2.4 72,912,313 10,420,794 100.0 (7,916,298) (76.0) (17,378,044) (75.1) (30,306,723) (75.4) (42,994,688) (76.0) (56,618,471) 23,129,313 100.0 40,203,212 100.0 56,591,302 100.0 11,206,418 100.0 (8,702,100) (77.7) 2,504,496 24.0 5,751,269 24.9 9,896,489 24.6 13,596,614 24.0 16,293,842 2,504,318 22.3 (1,214,945) (11.7) (4.4) (457,562) (2,268,949) (1,164,149) (9.8) (5.0) (3,667,031) (2,089,348) (9.1) (5.2) (4,904,526) (2,837,680) (8.7) (5.0) (6,899,654) (2,978,621) (1,060,457) (457,806) (9.5) (4.1) (248,128) (2.4) (670,998) (2.9) (1,076,520) (2.7) (1,563,582) (2.8) (1,808,452) (277,954) (2.5) (306,749) (2.9) (967,463) (4.2) (1,301,472) (3.2) (1,941,146) (3.4) (2,447,724) (376,208) (3.3) (2,227,384) (21.4) 0.5 53,486 (5,071,559) (21.9) 0.6 153,977 (8,134,371) (20.2) (11,246,934) (19.9) (14,134,451) 531,055 358,029 308,431 0.8 0.6 (2,172,425) (19.4) 0.8 81,622 330,598 3.1 833,687 3.6 2,070,549 5.2 2,707,709 4.8 2,690,446 413,515 3.7 435,152 (113,932) — 4.1 (1.1) — 1,060,341 (245,032) (62,716) 4.6 (1.0) (0.3) 2,050,520 (457,745) (84,063) 5.1 (1.1) (0.2) 2,666,084 (601,828) (71,489) 4.7 (1.1) (0.1) 2,540,853 (626,140) (22,280) 390,523 (96,236) (3,424) 3.5 (0.9) (0.0) 321,220 3.0 752,593 3.3 1,508,712 3.8 1,992,767 3.5 1,892,433 290,863 2.6 — — (88,693) (0.3) (80,953) (0.2) (44,050) (0.1) (57,222) (8,795) (0.1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 321,220 3.0 841,286 3.6 1,589,665 4.0 2,036,817 3.6 1,949,655 299,658 2.7 . . . . . . . 108,962,637 . 115,495,173 — 113,310,682 — 120,227,584 — 115,736,092 — 120,168,063 — 115,958,088 — 125,817,183 — 117,554,229 117,554,229 — 125,715,833 125,715,833 . . . . 2.95 2.78 0.59 0.55 — — — — 7.42 7.00 1.48 1.40 — — — — 13.74 13.23 2.75 2.65 — — — — 17.57 16.86 3.51 3.37 — — — — 16.59 15.94 3.32 3.19 2.55 2.45 0.51 0.49 — — — — — — Selected Consolidated Statements of Income Data: . . Product revenues . . Other revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total net revenues Cost of revenues(1) . . . . . . . . . Gross profit . Operating expenses(2): Fulfillment expenses(3) . Marketing expenses . Technology and content . expenses . . . General and administrative . . expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . Total operating expenses . Other operating income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Income from operations . . Income before income tax and . share of loss of affiliates . . . . . . Income tax expenses . Share of loss of affiliates . . Net income . . Net loss attributable to . . . . . . . non-controlling interests . . . Net income attributable to our . shareholders . . . . . . . . Shares used in calculating earnings per share Class A and Class B ordinary shares(4): . . . . —Basic . . —Diluted . . . . Net earnings per Class A and . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Class B ordinary share shareholders—Basic . Net income attributable to our . Net income attributable to our . shareholders—Diluted . . . . Net earnings per ADS(5) (1 Class A ordinary share equals 5 ADSs) . —Basic . . —Diluted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1) Excluding shipping and handling expenses, and including inventory write-down that amounted to RMB205.4 million, RMB218.1 million, RMB293.9 million, RMB303.2 million, and RMB206.7 million (US$31.8 million) for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017, respectively. 3 (2) Including share-based compensation expenses as set forth below: Allocation of share-based compensation expenses:* . . . . . Fulfillment expenses . . . . . . . Marketing expenses . . . . . . . Technology and content expenses . . . . . General and administrative expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . For the Year Ended December 31, 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 RMB’000 RMB’000 RMB’000 RMB’000 RMB’000 US$’000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,432 2,342 20,117 49,614 10,822 17,293 103,160 94,219 18,665 19,938 126,274 138,064 38,428 38,459 183,122 215,644 73,235 40,364 206,073 347,426 11,256 6,204 31,673 53,398 76,505 225,494 302,941 475,653 667,098 102,531 * The share-based compensation expenses for 2013 included RMB76.5 million share-based compensation expenses in connection with share options and non-vested shares granted to our executive officers, independent directors, employees and a consultant. The unrecognized share-based compensation expenses related to share options and non-vested shares were RMB91.5 million and RMB106.9 million, and were expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.09 years and 3.26 years on a straight-line basis as of December 31, 2013, respectively. The share-based compensation expenses for 2014 included RMB225.5 million share-based compensation expenses in connection with share options and non-vested shares granted to our executive officers, independent directors, employees and consultants. The unrecognized share-based compensation expenses related to share options and non-vested shares were RMB29.4 million and RMB598.2 million, and were expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.34 years and 3.20 years on a straight-line basis as of December 31, 2014, respectively. The share-based compensation expenses for 2015 included RMB302.9 million share-based compensation expenses in connection with share options and non-vested shares granted to our executive officers, independent directors and employees. The unrecognized share-based compensation expenses related to share options and non-vested shares were RMB6.9 million and RMB914.0 million, and were expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.02 years and 2.97 years on a straight-line basis as of December 31, 2015, respectively. The share-based compensation expenses for 2016 included RMB475.7 million share-based compensation expenses in connection with share options and non-vested shares granted to our executive officers, independent directors and employees. The unrecognized share-based compensation expenses related to share options and non-vested shares were RMB243 thousand and RMB1.24 billion, and were expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 0.25 year and 4 years on a straight-line basis as of December 31, 2016, respectively. The share-based compensation expenses for 2017 included RMB667.1 million (US$102.5 million) share-based compensation expenses in connection with share options and non-vested shares granted to our executive officers, independent directors and employees. The unrecognized share-based compensation expenses related to share options and non-vested shares were RMB162.9 million (US$25.0 million) and RMB1.43 billion (US$220.2 million), and were expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 3 years and 2.72 years on a straight-line basis as of December 31, 2017, respectively. See ‘‘Item 5.A. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Operating Results—Critical Accounting Policies— Share-based compensation’’ for details. (3) (4) (5) Including shipping and handling expenses, which amounted to RMB721.6 million, RMB1.17 billion, RMB1.71 billion, RMB2.58 billion, and RMB3.83 billion (US$588.7 million) in the years ended December 31, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017, respectively. Authorized share capital is re-classified and re-designated into Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares, with each Class A ordinary share being entitled to one vote and each Class B ordinary share being entitled to ten votes on all matters that are subject to shareholder vote. Each ADS represents 0.2 Class A ordinary share, effective November 3, 2014. The computation of net earnings per ADS has been adjusted retrospectively for all periods presented to reflect this change. 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 RMB’000 RMB’000 RMB’000 RMB’000 RMB’000 US$’000 As of December 31, Summary Consolidated Balance Sheet Data: Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash . . . . . . . . . . . 2,026,264 4,109,577 10,221,992 1,571,091 4,791,151 Total current assets . . . . . . . . . 6,277,371 13,220,454 12,153,276 14,580,872 25,916,138 3,983,238 Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6,489,929 16,951,041 20,035,522 25,094,453 37,982,820 5,837,853 Total liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . 5,017,334 14,252,973 16,422,255 19,312,649 23,732,244 3,647,579 5,781,804 14,250,576 2,190,274 2,698,068 Total shareholders’ equity . . . . 1,472,595 3,613,267 3,324,384 4 Exchange Rate Information We have published our consolidated financial statements in Renminbi. Our business is primarily conducted in China in Renminbi. The conversion of Renminbi into U.S. dollars in this annual report is based on the certified exchange rate published by the Federal Reserve Board. For your convenience, this annual report contains translations of some Renminbi or U.S. dollar amounts for 2017 at a rate of RMB6.5063 to US$1.00, which was the certified exchange rate in effect as of December 29, 2017. The certified exchange rate on April 13, 2018 was RMB6.2725 to US$1.00. We make no representation that any Renminbi or U.S. dollar amounts could have been, or could be, converted into U.S. dollars or Renminbi, as the case may be, at any particular rate, the rates stated below, or at all. The PRC government imposes control over its foreign currency reserves in part through direct regulation of the conversion of Renminbi into foreign exchange. The following table sets forth information concerning exchange rates between Renminbi and U.S. dollars for the periods indicated. The exchange rates refer to the exchange rates as set forth in the H.10 statistical release of the Federal Reserve Board. These rates are provided solely for your convenience and are not necessarily the exchange rates that we used in this annual report or will use in the preparation of our periodic reports or any other information to be provided to you. The source of these rates is the Federal Reserve Statistical Release. Period Period-End 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . October . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . November . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . December . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2018 January . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . February . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . March . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . April (through April 13, 2018) . . . . . . . . . 6.0537 6.2046 6.4778 6.9430 6.5063 6.6328 6.6090 6.5063 6.2841 6.3280 6.2726 6.2725 Low Noon Buying Rate Average(1) (RMB per US$) 6.1412 6.1704 6.2869 6.6549 6.7350 6.6254 6.6200 6.5932 6.2438 6.2591 6.4896 6.9580 6.9575 6.6533 6.6385 6.6210 6.4233 6.3183 6.3174 6.2889 6.5263 6.3471 6.3565 6.3045 High 6.0537 6.0402 6.1870 6.4480 6.4773 6.5712 6.5967 6.5063 6.2841 6.2649 6.2685 6.2655 (1) Annual averages are calculated using the average of month-end rates of the relevant year. Monthly averages are calculated using the average of the daily rates during the relevant month. B. Capitalization and Indebtedness Not applicable. C. Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds Not applicable. 5 D. Risk Factors Risks Relating to Our Business and Industry If we are unable to manage our growth or execute our strategies effectively, our business and prospects may be materially and adversely affected. We have experienced a period of growth and expansion that has demanded, and will continue to demand, significant financial and managerial resources. We plan to further increase our sales through enhancing our brand recognition, growing our customer base, and increasing customer spending on our Vipshop Online Platform. We intend to continue investing in our logistics network and warehousing capacity to support our long-term growth. To further improve our nationwide fulfillment capabilities, we plan to add more logistics centers and warehouses in strategic locations in China to strengthen our regional logistics hubs. Moreover, we have leased warehouses outside China and will continue to expand our overseas warehousing capacity to support our cross-border business. However, we cannot assure you that we will be able to execute our expansion plan as expected. Our rapid expansion requires us to continue to effectively manage our relationships with brand partners and in-house and third-party delivery companies to ensure efficient and timely delivery of our products. To continue our business growth, we will also need to allocate significant managerial and financial resources in retaining, training, managing and motivating our workforce. We also seek to broaden our product offerings through third-party sellers offering their own products on our Vipshop Online Platform. The products and services offered by such third-party sellers may differ in quality and value in comparison to those that are offered directly by us. Such expansion will require us to introduce new product categories and work with different groups of brand partners to address the needs of different kinds of customers. We have limited or no experience in some of our newer product offerings, such as online sales under proprietary cosmetics brands of third-parties, and our expansion into these new product categories may not achieve broad customer acceptance. These offerings may present new and difficult technological or operational challenges, and we may be subject to claims if customers of these offerings experience service disruptions or failure or other quality issues. In addition, our profitability, if any, in our newer product categories may be lower than in our older categories, which may adversely affect our overall profitability and results of operations. Moreover, we cannot assure you that we will be able to recoup our investments in introducing these new product categories. Furthermore, we have further developed and expanded new business initiatives in Internet finance, such as consumer financing, supplier financing, and wealth management services. See ‘‘Item 3.D. Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Business and Industry—We have limited experience in operating an Internet finance business, and increasing exposure to credit risks or significant deterioration in the asset quality of our Internet finance business may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.’’ and ‘‘Item 4.B. Information on the Company—Business Overview—Our Product and Service Offerings—Other Services.’’ All of these endeavors involve risks. We cannot assure you that we will successfully execute these expansion plans and strategies. We may fail to acquire financial or managerial resources needed for our business growth in a timely and cost-efficient manner, or at all. We cannot assure you that we will be able to manage our growth effectively, and any failure to do so may materially and adversely affect our business and prospects. 6 If we are unable to offer branded products at attractive prices to meet customer needs and preferences, or if our reputation for selling authentic, high-quality products suffers, we may lose customers and our business, financial condition, and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected. Our future growth depends on our ability to continue to attract new customers as well as to increase the spending and repeat purchase rate of existing customers. Constantly changing consumer preferences have historically affected, and will continue to affect, the online retail industry. Consequently, we must stay abreast of emerging lifestyle and consumer preferences and anticipate product trends that will appeal to existing and potential customers. As we implement our strategy to offer personalized Vipshop Online Platform focusing on deep curation and targeted offerings desired by our customers, we expect to face additional challenges in the selection of products and services. Our ability to offer individually-tailored merchandise is dependent on our IT systems, including our big data and business intelligence system, to collect and provide accurate and reliable information on consumer interests. In addition, we focus on offering only authentic products on our platform, as perception by our customers or prospective customers that any of our products are not authentic, or are lacking in quality, could cause our reputation to suffer. This is particularly important for cosmetics and maternal and baby products, which we expect to account for an increasing proportion of our revenues. While our company’s representatives generally check the products that we sell to confirm their authenticity, quality and proper labeling, we cannot assure you that our suppliers have provided us with authentic products or that all products that we sell are of the quality expected by our customers. If our customers cannot find desired products within our product portfolio at attractive prices, or if our reputation for selling authentic, high-quality product suffers, our customers may lose interest in our platform and thus may visit our platform less frequently or even stop visiting our platform, which in turn may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations. Our business and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected if we are unable to maintain our customer experience or provide high quality customer service. The success of our business largely depends on our ability to provide superior customer experience and high quality customer service, which in turn depends on a variety of factors, such as our ability to continue to provide reliable and user-friendly Vipshop Online Platform for our customers to browse and purchase our products, reliable and timely delivery of our products, and superior after-sales services. Our sales may decrease if our platform services are severely interrupted or otherwise fail to meet our customer requests. Should we or our third-party delivery companies fail to provide our product delivery and return services in a convenient or reliable manner, or if our customers are not satisfied with our product quality, our reputation and customer loyalty could be adversely affected. In addition, we also depend on our call center and online customer service representatives to provide live assistance to our customers. If our call center or online customer service representatives fail to satisfy the individual needs of customers, our reputation and customer loyalty could be adversely affected and we may lose potential or existing customers and experience a decrease in sales. As a result, if we are unable to continue to maintain our customer experience and provide high quality customer service, we may not be able to retain existing customers or attract new customers, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations. Any harm to our brands or failure to maintain our reputation may materially and adversely affect our business and growth prospects. We believe that the recognition and reputation of our brands among our customers and brand partners have significantly contributed to the growth of our business. Maintaining and enhancing the recognition and reputation of our brands are critical to our business and competitiveness. Many factors, some of which are beyond our control, are important to maintaining and enhancing our brands and 7 may negatively impact our brands and reputation if not properly managed. These factors include our ability to: (cid:127) provide satisfactory user experience as consumer preferences evolve and as we expand into new product categories; (cid:127) increase brand awareness among existing and potential customers through various marketing and promotional activities; (cid:127) maintain the popularity, attractiveness and quality of the products we offer; (cid:127) maintain the efficiency, reliability and quality of our fulfillment services; and (cid:127) preserve our reputation and goodwill in the event of any negative media publicity on Internet security, product quality or authenticity issues affecting us or other online retail businesses in China. A public perception that non-authentic or counterfeit goods are sold on our Vipshop Online Platform, even if factually incorrect, could damage our reputation, reduce our ability to attract new customers or retain our existing customers, and diminish the value of our brands. If we are unable to maintain our reputation, enhance our brand recognition or increase positive awareness of our platform, products and services, it may be difficult to maintain and grow our customer base, and our business and growth prospects may be materially and adversely affected. If we fail to manage our relationships with, or otherwise fail to procure products at favorable terms from, our existing brand partners, or if we fail to attract new brand partners, our business and growth prospects may suffer. We source our products from both domestic and international brand partners. As of December 31, 2015, 2016, and 2017, we worked with over 8,500, 10,000, and 13,000 brand partners, respectively. We depend significantly on our ability to source products from brand partners on favorable pricing terms, typically at a substantial discount to the original sales price. However, our agreements do not ensure the long-term availability of merchandise or the continuation of any particular pricing practices. Our contracts with our brand suppliers typically do not restrict the brand partners from selling products to other buyers. We cannot assure you that our current brand partners will continue to sell products to us on commercially acceptable terms, or at all. In the event that we are not able to purchase merchandise on favorable pricing terms, our revenues, profit margin and earnings may be materially and adversely affected. Our brand partners primarily include brand owners, and to a lesser extent, brand distributors and resellers. In the event any brand distributor or reseller fails to obtain or maintain appropriate authorization from the relevant brand owner to sell certain products to us, such brand distributor or reseller may cease selling such products to us at any time, which may adversely affect our business and revenues. Furthermore, although we, as an online distributor, are not directly responsible to obtain customs clearance or other related permits for the sale of products imported by our brand partners, we are required under the relevant PRC laws to check whether our brand partners who have imported such products have obtained the requisite import-related permits or filings and whether the products have passed the quality inspection before they are sold and distributed in the China market. If any of our brand partners fails to pay the required import tariffs, fails to obtain clearance from the customs or inspection and quarantine bureaus or fails to meet the product labeling or other mandatory specification requirements, and sells such imported products to us, we may be subject to fines, suspension of business, as well as confiscation of unlawfully sold products and the proceeds from such sales, depending on the nature and gravity of such liabilities. If our brand partners cease to provide us with favorable payment terms or return policies, our working capital needs may increase, resulting in negative impact on our cash flows from operating activities, and our operations may be materially and adversely affected. As part of our growth strategy, 8 we plan to further expand our brand and product offerings and thus need to continue establishing relationships with new brand partners to ensure our access to a steady supply of products on favorable commercial terms. Furthermore, our relationships with some brand partners, particularly international brand partners of apparel products in China, may be adversely affected as a result of our sale of branded products that are directly procured from overseas markets. If we are unable to develop and maintain good relationships with brand partners that would allow us to obtain sufficient amount and variety of quality merchandise on acceptable commercial terms, it may inhibit our ability to offer sufficient products sought by our customers, or to offer these products at prices acceptable to them. Negative developments in our relationships with brand partners could materially and adversely affect our business and growth prospects. We rely on our invested and in-house last mile delivery capabilities and third-party delivery services for our product delivery, and if we or such third-party delivery services fail to provide reliable delivery services, our business and reputation may be materially and adversely affected. Leveraging our continued and committed investment in quality delivery companies and build-out of in-house delivery capabilities and warehousing systems with almost nationwide coverage over the years, we now rely primarily on our invested and in-house last mile delivery capabilities and, to a lesser extent, on third-party delivery services to fulfill our product delivery demand. In 2017, our invested and in-house last mile delivery capabilities handled over 95% of our total orders. Nevertheless, we still maintain cooperation arrangements with a number of third-party delivery companies, particularly regional and local couriers with smaller operational scales instead of nation-wide delivery companies, to supplement our invested and in-house delivery capabilities to deliver our products. Interruptions to or failures in delivery services could prevent the timely or proper delivery of our products. These interruptions may be due to events that are beyond our control or the control of these third-party delivery services, such as inclement weather, natural disasters, transportation interruptions or labor unrest or shortage. Moreover, if these third-party delivery services fail to comply with applicable rules and regulations in China, reputation of our delivery services may be materially and adversely affected. We may not be able to find alternative delivery companies to provide delivery services in a timely and reliable manner, or at all, to replace such third-party delivery services to the extent necessary. As competition intensifies in the future, we expect that we will be required to further shorten delivery time, which could place increasing pressure on our delivery network. Delivery of our products could also be affected or interrupted by the merger, acquisition, insolvency or government shut-down of our invested and in-house last mile delivery capabilities or the third-party delivery companies we engage to make deliveries, especially those local couriers with relatively small business scales. Furthermore, we may face additional challenges in managing our relationship with third-party delivery companies as a result of our continuing expansion of in-house delivery operations and capacities. If our products are not delivered in proper condition or on a timely basis, our business and reputation could suffer. Although we typically require the delivery companies, especially the local couriers, to make cash deposits or guarantee payments securing their due performance of duties as part of our engagement with them, such security may not be sufficient to recover the losses that we sustain as a result of their failure to perform. If we do not compete effectively against existing or new competitors, we may lose market share and customers. The online discount retail market is rapidly evolving and competitive. Our primary competitors include major B2C e-commerce companies in China that sell a broad range of products and services online, such as Alibaba, and other online discount retail companies in China. We compete with others based on a number of factors, including: (cid:127) ability to identify products in demand among consumers and source these products on favorable terms from brand suppliers; 9 (cid:127) pricing; (cid:127) breadth and quality of product offerings; (cid:127) platform features; (cid:127) customer service and fulfillment capabilities; and (cid:127) reputation among consumers and brands. Some of our current and potential competitors may have significantly greater resources, longer operating histories, larger customer bases, and greater brand recognition. As the online discount retail market in China is expected to grow, many new competitors and some existing B2C e-commerce companies may enter into this market. In addition, other online retailers may be acquired by, receive investment from or enter into strategic relationships with, well-established and well-financed companies or investors which would help enhance their competitive positions. Some of our competitors may be able to secure more favorable terms from brand partners, devote greater resources to marketing and promotional campaigns, adopt more aggressive pricing or inventory policies and devote substantially more resources to their platform and system development than us. In addition, emerging technologies and continuing innovation in mobile Internet may increase the competition in the online retail industry. Increasing competition may negatively affect our business development, online retail and brand recognition, which may in turn affect our market share and operating margins. We cannot assure you that we will be able to compete effectively against our competitors, and competitive pressure may materially and adversely affect our business, prospects, financial condition, and results of operations. We had incurred net losses and experienced negative cash flow from operating activities in historical periods and may incur net losses in the future. We had incurred net losses in historical periods. Although we have achieved net profit since the fourth quarter of 2012, we cannot assure you that we can continue to generate net profits or maintain positive cash flow from operating activities in the future. Our ability to be profitable depends on our ability to grow our business and increase our total net revenues and our ability to control our costs and operating expenses. Although we have experienced significant revenue growth since our inception, such growth may not be sustainable and we may continue to incur net losses in future periods or fail to maintain positive cash flow from operating activities. We have incurred in the past and expect to continue to incur in future periods share-based compensation expenses and we expect our costs and other operating expenses to continue to increase as we expand our business, either of which will reduce our net income and may result in future losses. If our costs and operating expenses continue to increase without a commensurate increase in our revenue, our business, financial condition and results of operations will be adversely affected, and we may need additional capital to fund our ongoing operations. In addition, in February 2014, we acquired a 75% equity interest in Lefeng from its parent company Ovation Entertainment Limited, or Ovation. See ‘‘Item 4.A. Information on the Company— History and Development of the Company.’’ Ovation’s online platform business has incurred net losses both historically and after our acquisition. Such acquired online platform business may continue to incur net losses and as a result, may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations. We may suffer losses if we are unable to effectively manage our inventory. Due to the nature of the flash sales business, we need to manage a large volume of inventory turnover. We depend on our forecasts of demand and popularity for various kinds of products to make decisions regarding product purchases. Our customers may not order products at levels expected by us. In addition, any unfavorable market or industry conditions or change in consumer trends and preferences may limit our ability to accurately forecast the inventory levels to meet customer demand. 10 We generally have the right to return unsold items for most of our products to our brand partners. In order to secure more favorable commercial terms, we may need to continue to enter into supply arrangements without unconditional return clauses or with more restrictive return policies. Furthermore, because products imported to China for our cross-border business are generally not returnable, our inventory may contain an increasing portion of unreturnable products as our cross- border business continues to grow. We recorded RMB293.9 million, RMB303.2 million, and RMB206.7 million (US$31.8 million) in inventory write-down in the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016, and 2017, respectively. Such write- downs primarily reflected the estimated market value of damaged or obsolete inventory. In addition, in October 2010, when we were in the process of implementing our new IT systems, improving our inventory count procedures and relocating our warehouse, some of our inventory stock items were not properly recorded in the inventory ledger, resulting in discrepancies between the inventory ledger and our actual inventory stock. We recorded write-down of such discrepancies. While we have implemented policies to reduce the risk of such discrepancies occurring again, we cannot guarantee that these discrepancies will not occur in the future. If we fail to manage our inventory effectively in the future, we may be subject to a heightened risk of inventory obsolescence, a decline in inventory values and write-down, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations. In addition, if we are unable to sell products or if we are required to lower sale prices in order to reduce inventory level or to pay higher prices to our brand partners in order to secure the right to return products to our brand partners, our profit margins might be negatively affected. High inventory levels may also require us to commit substantial capital resources, preventing us from using that capital for other important purposes. If we do not accurately predict product demand, our business, financial condition, and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected. If we are subject to higher than expected product return rates, our business, financial condition, and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected. Purchases of apparel, fashion accessories, and other items over the Internet may be subject to higher return rates than merchandise sold at physical stores. In order to accommodate our customers and to overcome any hesitance that they may have in shopping with us, we currently implement a unified seven-day product return policy for purchases via our Vipshop Online Platform and refund our customers if they refuse to accept the delivery, which also constitutes a product return. Our product return rates remained stable from 2013 to 2017. If we are unable to efficiently manage our product return rates within an appropriate range relative to our sales volume, or if our product return rates increase or are higher than expected, our revenues and costs can be negatively impacted. In addition, as we cannot return some products to our brand partners pursuant to our contracts with them, if return rates for such products increase significantly, we may experience an increase in our inventory balance, inventory impairment, and fulfillment costs, which may materially and adversely affect our working capital. As a result, our business, financial condition, and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected. We rely on online retail of apparel products for a significant portion of our total net revenues. Historically, online retail sales of apparel products accounted for a significant portion of our total net revenues. We expect that sales of these products will continue to grow and represent a significant portion of our total net revenues in the near future. We have increased our offerings to include other product categories, including fashion products, cosmetics, home goods, maternal and baby products, accessories, wellness products, consumer electronic products, and other lifestyle products, as well as Internet finance offerings, including consumer financing, supplier financing, and wealth management services, and we expect to continue to expand our product and service offerings to gradually diversify 11 our revenue sources in the future. However, the sales of these new products and services may not increase to a level that would reduce our dependence on our current line of products and services. Any failure in maintaining or increasing the number of our online retail customers or our sales volumes could result in our inability to retain or capture a sufficient share of the new markets that we are targeting. Any event that results in a reduction in our sales of apparel products could materially and adversely affect our ability to maintain or increase our current level of revenue, our profitability and business prospects. We have been expanding our logistics network. If we are not able to manage such expansion successfully, our growth potential, results of operations, and business could be materially and adversely affected. Our logistics network, currently consisting of regional logistics hubs located in Zhaoqing of Guangdong Province in Southern China, Kunshan of Jiangsu Province in Eastern China, Jianyang of Sichuan Province in Western China, Tianjin in Northern China, and Ezhou of Hubei Province in Central China, is essential to our business growth. We intend to continue using our available cash and financing options to expand our logistics network to accommodate increasing volumes of customer orders, enhance customer services, provide better coverage across China, invest in IT system and mobile channel, and other general purposes. As part of our expansion plan, we expect to add more logistics centers to strengthen our regional logistics hubs and further develop our invested and in-house last mile delivery capabilities in the future. However, we cannot assure you that our plans to operate our own logistics centers and delivery operations will be successful. The expansion of our logistics network will put pressure on our managerial, financial, operational and other resources. We cannot assure you that we will be able to locate suitable facilities on commercially acceptable terms in accordance with our expansion plan. Nor can we assure you that we will be able to recruit qualified managerial and operational personnel to support our expansion plan. If we are unable to secure new facilities for the expansion of our logistics operations, or to effectively control expansion-related expenses, our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. Uncertainties regarding the growth and sustained profitability of the online retail market in China, and in particular, the development of the online flash sales business model, could adversely affect our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations. Substantially all of our total net revenue is generated through an online retail business model, and in particular, an online flash sales business model. While online retail businesses have existed in China since the 1990s, only a limited number of these companies become profitable. The flash sales business model originated in Europe in 2001 and then spread to the United States. The business model was not introduced to China until a few years ago. The long term viability and prospects of the online retail industry, particularly companies utilizing an online flash sales business model, and B2C e-commerce business generally in China, remain untested and subject to significant uncertainty. Our business, financial condition and results of operations will depend on numerous factors affecting the development of the online flash sales business and, more broadly, the online retail and e-commerce businesses in China, which may be beyond our control. These factors include the general economic conditions in China, the growth of Internet usage, the confidence in and level of e-commerce and online spending, the emergence of alternative retail channels or business models, the success of marketing and brand building efforts by e-commerce and flash sales companies, and the development of payment, logistics, after-sale and other services associated with e-commerce and flash sales. 12 The proper functioning of our IT systems is essential to our business. Any failure to maintain the satisfactory performance, security and integrity of our Vipshop Online Platform and systems will materially and adversely affect our business, reputation, financial condition and results of operations. Our IT systems mainly include technology infrastructure supporting the user interface of our Vipshop Online Platform, as well as our customer service, enterprise resource planning, warehouse and logistics management, product information management, business intelligence and administration management systems. The satisfactory performance, reliability and availability of our IT systems are critical to our success, our ability to attract and retain customers and our ability to maintain a satisfactory customer experience and level of customer service. Our servers may be vulnerable to computer viruses, user traffic boom that exceeds the capacity of our servers, physical or electronic break-ins and similar disruptions, which could lead to system interruptions, website slowdown or unavailability, delays in transaction processing, loss of data or the inability to accept and fulfill customer orders. We can provide no assurance that we will not experience such unexpected interruptions. We can provide no assurance that our current security mechanisms will be sufficient to protect our IT systems from any third-party intrusions, viruses or hacker attacks, information or data theft or other similar activities. Any such future occurrences could damage our reputation and result in a material decrease in our revenue. We experienced one instance of system failure in January 2013 caused by unexpectedly large user traffic during a discount campaign, which was subsequently resolved. We did not have material system failure in 2017. Additionally, we intend to continue using our available cash and financing options to upgrade and improve our IT systems and cybersecurity to support our business growth. For the year ended December 31, 2017, we spent RMB319.5 million (US$49.1 million) to maintain our IT and cybersecurity protections. However, we cannot assure you that we will be successful in executing these system upgrades and improvement strategies. In particular, our systems may experience interruptions during upgrades, and the new technologies or infrastructures may not be fully integrated with the existing systems on a timely basis, or at all. If our existing or future IT systems do not function properly, it could cause system disruptions and slow response times, affecting data transmission, which in turn, could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. If we fail to successfully adopt new technologies or adapt our Vipshop Online Platform and systems to changing customer needs or emerging industry standards, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected. To remain competitive, we must continue to enhance and improve the responsiveness, functionality, and features of our Vipshop Online Platform. The online retail industry is characterized by rapid technological evolution, changes in end user requirements and preferences, frequent introductions of new products and services embodying new technologies, and the emergence of new industry standards and practices that could render our existing proprietary technologies and systems obsolete. Our success will depend, in part, on our ability to identify, develop, acquire, or license leading technologies useful in our business, enhance our existing services, develop new services and technologies that address the increasingly sophisticated and varied needs of our existing and prospective customers, and respond to technological advances and emerging industry standards and practices, such as mobile Internet, on a cost-effective and timely basis. The development of mobile applications, websites, and other proprietary technology entails significant technical and business risks. We can provide no assurance that we will be able to use new technologies effectively or adapt our platform, proprietary technologies and transaction-processing systems to meet customer requirements or emerging industry standards. If we are unable to accurately project the need for such system expansion or upgrade or to adapt our systems in a cost-effective and timely manner in response to changing market conditions or customer requirements, whether for technical, legal, financial, or other reasons, our business, prospects, financial condition, and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. 13 We have limited experience in operating an Internet finance business, and increasing exposure to credit risks or significant deterioration in the asset quality of our Internet finance business may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operation. Over the past few years, we have started to participate in the emerging Internet finance sector in China. We have launched several Internet financial service products, such as consumer financing, supplier financing, and wealth management services, and plan to develop and expand these businesses further in the future. Operating and expanding in this emerging business sector involves new risks and challenges. Our lack of familiarity with the Internet finance sector may make it difficult for us to anticipate the demands and preferences in the market and develop financial service products that meet the requirements and preferences. We may not be able to successfully identify new product and service opportunities or develop and introduce these opportunities to our customers in a timely and cost-effective manner, or our customers may be disappointed in the returns from financial service products that we offer. The development of our Internet finance business is capital intensive. For certain financial service products, we have committed and will continue to commit our own capital, which had and may continue to have a negative impact on our cash flow. To supplement such capital requirement, in 2017, one of our subsidiaries operating our Internet finance business offered an aggregate amount of RMB800.0 million (US$123.0 million) of asset-backed securities, or ABS, listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange in China. Although we plan to use this and any future ABS offerings in China to alleviate the dependence of our Internet finance business on our own cash flow, we may require additional cash resources due to further developments or changing business conditions and there can be no assurance that we will continue to complete additional ABS offerings in China or obtain access to other financing options in appropriate amounts or on acceptable terms, or at all. Additionally, our accounts receivable and other receivables and prepayments increased over 2017 due to the credit we extended for our financial service products, in turn increasing our exposure to bad debts. Although default rate remained low since we launched these services, the risk of nonpayment of loans is inherent in the financing business and we are subject to credit risk resulting from defaults in payment for loans by our customers and suppliers. Credit risks may be exacerbated in microcredit and consumer financing because there will be relatively limited information available about the credit histories of consumers. We cannot assure you that our monitoring of credit risk issues and our efforts to mitigate credit risks through our credit assessment and risk management policies are or will be sufficient to result in lower delinquencies. Furthermore, our ability to manage the quality of our loan portfolio and the associated credit risks will have significant impact on the results of operations of our Internet finance business. Deterioration in the overall quality of loan portfolio and the increasing exposure to credit risks may occur due to a variety of reasons, including factors beyond our control, such as a slowdown in the growth of the global or Chinese economies or a liquidity or credit crisis in the global or Chinese finance sectors, which may materially and adversely affect our businesses, operations or liquidity of our suppliers and consumers or their ability to repay or roll over their debt. Any significant deterioration in the asset quality of our Internet finance business and significant increase in associated credit risks may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Our wide variety of accepted payment methods subject us to third-party payment processing-related risks. We accept payments using a variety of methods, including our Vipshop Payment service, cash on delivery, and payment through third-party online payment services, such as tenpay.com and alipay.com. For certain payment methods, including credit and debit cards processed via our Vipshop Payment service, we pay interchange and other fees, which may increase over time and raise our operating costs and lower our profit margins. We may also be subject to fraud, customer data leakage and other illegal activities in connection with the various payment methods we offer, including online payment and cash 14 on delivery options. Although we depend less and less on third parties to provide payment processing services due to our customers’ increasing use of Vipshop Payment, we continue to offer the various payment methods for the convenience and flexibility of our customers. For example, although we offer the cash on delivery payment option primarily on our in-house last mile capabilities, we still engage some third-party delivery companies for our cash on delivery payment option. If the service quality of these third-party delivery companies deteriorates, certain customers who prefer their services may become dissatisfied to our company in general. We may also be subject to various rules, regulations and requirements, regulatory or otherwise, governing electronic fund transfers and online payment, which could change or be reinterpreted to make it difficult or impossible for us to comply with. If we fail to comply with these rules or requirements, we may be subject to fines and higher transaction fees and lose our ability to accept credit and debit card payments from our customers, process electronic fund transfers or facilitate other types of online payments, and our business, financial condition, and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. The security of operations of our own and other third-party online payment services may materially and adversely affect our business. Currently, we accept payments through our own Vipshop Payment service and other third-party online payment services, such as tenpay.com and alipay.com. In 2017, approximately 90% of our total orders were collected through online payment services, and our fast-growing Vipshop Payment service was used to process a majority of our total orders. We expect that an increasing amount of our sales will be conducted over the Internet as a result of the growing use of online payment services. In all these online payment transactions, secured transmission of confidential information such as customers’ credit card numbers and personal information over public networks is essential to maintain consumer confidence. We do not have control over the security measures of our third-party online payment vendors, and security breaches of the online payment services that we use could expose us to litigation and possible liability for failing to secure confidential customer information and could, among other things, damage our reputation and the perceived security of all of the online payment services that we use. If a well-publicized Internet or mobile network security breach were to occur, users concerned about the security of their online financial transactions might become reluctant to purchase on our Vipshop Online Platform even if the publicized breach did not involve the online payment services or other methods used by us. In addition, there may be billing software errors that would damage customer confidence in these online payment services. If any of the above with respect to any third-party online payment vendors were to occur and damage our reputation or the perceived security of the online payment services we use, we might lose customers and customers might be discouraged from purchasing on our platform, which may adversely affect our business. Our growth and profitability depend on the level of consumer confidence and spending in China. Our business, financial condition and results of operations are sensitive to changes in overall economic and political conditions that affect consumer spending in China. The retail industry, including the online retail sector in general and the flash sales business in particular, is highly sensitive to general economic changes. Online purchases tend to decline significantly during recessionary periods and substantially all of our total net revenue is derived from online retail sales in China. Many factors outside of our control, including inflation and deflation, interest rates, volatility of equity and debt securities markets, taxation rates, employment and other government policies can adversely affect consumer confidence and spending. The domestic and international political environments, including military conflicts and political turmoil or social instability, may also adversely affect consumer confidence and reduce spending, which could in turn materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations. 15 We may incur liability for counterfeit or unauthorized products sold or information posted on our platforms. We have been and may continue to be subject to allegations that some of the items sold on our platforms are counterfeit or unauthorized from the relevant brand owners. As of December 31, 2015, 2016, and 2017, we worked with over 8,500, 10,000, and 13,000 brand partners, respectively, via our Vipshop Online Platform. We cannot assure you that measures we have adopted in the course of sourcing such products to ensure their authenticity or authorization and to minimize potential liability of infringing third parties’ rights will be effective. Any inadvertent sales of counterfeit, non-authentic or unauthorized items, or public perception of such incidents, could harm our reputation, impair our ability to attract and retain customers and cause us to incur additional costs to respond to any incident of this nature. In the event that counterfeit products, unauthorized products or products, images, logos or any other information that otherwise infringe third parties’ rights are sold or posted on our platform, we could also face infringement claims. We have occasionally received claim letters alleging our infringement of third-party rights. In December 2015, we received various consumer complaints about non-authentic Maotai liquor purchased during our annual promotion and confirmed that one of our vendors supplied non-authentic Maotai liquor sold on our platform. We discontinued cooperation with the vendor and voluntarily paid over RMB40 million to compensate the customers who had purchased such non-authentic Maotai liquor. We cannot assure you that in the future, we will not be required to allocate significant resources and incur material expenses regarding such claims. We may need to pay substantial amount of compensation to settle similar claims without involving in any legal proceedings, and could be required to pay substantial damages or to refrain from the sale of relevant products in the event that a claimant prevails in any proceedings against us. Forms of potential liabilities under PRC law if we negligently participated or assisted in infringing activities associated with counterfeit goods include injunctions to cease infringing activities, rectification, compensation and administrative penalties. Moreover, our reputation could be negatively affected due to the negative publicity of any infringement claim against us. Any third-party claims may materially and adversely affect our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations. Failure to protect confidential information of our customers and our network against security breaches could damage our reputation and brand and substantially harm our business and results of operations. A significant challenge to e-commerce and communications is the secure transmission of confidential information over public networks. Currently, almost all product orders and, in some cases, payments for products we offer, are made through our Vipshop Online Platform and systems. In such transactions, maintaining security on our platform and systems for the transmission of confidential or private information, such as customers’ personal information, payment-related information and transaction information, is essential to maintain consumer confidence in our platform and systems. We have adopted rigorous security policies and measures, including use of encryption technology, to protect our proprietary data and customer information. However, advances in technology, the expertise of hackers, new discoveries in the field of cryptography or other events or developments could result in a compromise or breach of the technology that we use to protect confidential information. We may not be able to prevent third parties, especially hackers or other individuals or entities engaging in similar activities, from illegally obtaining such confidential or private information we hold as a result of our customers’ visits on our platform. Such individuals or entities obtaining our customers’ confidential or private information may further engage in various other illegal activities using such information. In addition, we have limited control or influence over the security policies or measures adopted by third- party providers of online payment services through which some of our customers may elect to make payment for purchases on our platform. Furthermore, our third-party delivery companies may also violate their confidentiality obligations and disclose or use information about our customers illegally. Although we do not believe that we will be held responsible for any such illegal activities, any negative 16 publicity on our platform’s safety or privacy protection mechanism and policy could materially and adversely affect our public image and reputation. In addition, the methods used by hackers and others engaged in illegal online activities are increasingly sophisticated and constantly evolving. Significant capital, managerial and other resources may be required to ensure and enhance information security or to address the issues caused by such security failure. Any perception by the public that e-commerce and transactions, or the privacy of user information, are becoming increasingly unsafe or vulnerable to attack could inhibit the growth of online retail and other online services generally, which may also in turn reduce the number of orders we receive and materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. We may not be able to prevent others from unauthorized use of our intellectual property, which could harm our business and competitive position. We regard our trademarks, service marks, domain names, trade secrets, proprietary technologies and other intellectual property as critical to our business. We rely on a combination of intellectual property laws and contractual arrangements, including confidentiality agreements and license agreements with our employees, brand partners and others, to protect our proprietary rights. As of December 31, 2017, we own 1,051 registered trademarks, 113 copyrights (including copyrights with respect to 85 software products developed by us relating to various aspects of our operations), and 276 registered domain names that are material to our business, including vip.com and vipshop.com. See ‘‘Item 4.B. Information on the Company—Business Overview—Intellectual Property.’’ It is often difficult to register, maintain and enforce intellectual property rights in China. Statutory laws and regulations are subject to judicial interpretation and enforcement and may not be applied consistently due to the lack of clear guidance on statutory interpretation. Confidentiality agreements and license agreements may be breached by counterparties, and there may not be adequate remedies available to us for any such breach. Accordingly, we may not be able to effectively protect our intellectual property rights or to enforce our contractual rights in China. Policing any unauthorized use of our intellectual property is difficult and costly and the steps we have taken may be inadequate to prevent the misappropriation of our intellectual property. In the event that we resort to litigation to enforce our intellectual property rights, such litigation could result in substantial costs and a diversion of our managerial and financial resources. We can provide no assurance that we will prevail in such litigation. In addition, our trade secrets may be leaked or otherwise become available to, or be independently discovered by, our competitors. Any failure in protecting or enforcing our intellectual property rights could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Future strategic alliances or acquisitions may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. We may pursue selected strategic alliances and potential strategic acquisitions that are complementary to our business and operations, including opportunities that can help us promote our brand to new customers and brands, expand our product and service offerings and improve our technology infrastructure. We may also pursue strategic initiatives with brands and platforms in international markets. Strategic alliances with third parties could subject us to a number of risks, including risks associated with sharing proprietary information, non-performance or default by counterparties, and increasing expenses in establishing these new alliances, any of which may materially and adversely affect our business. We may have little ability to control or monitor the actions of our partners. To the extent a strategic partner suffers any negative publicity as a result of its business operations, our reputation may be negatively affected by virtue of our association with such party. 17 In addition, although we have no current acquisition plans, we may consider entering into strategic acquisition of other companies, businesses, assets or technologies that are complementary to our business and operations as part of our growth strategy. For example, we acquired a 75% equity interest in Lefeng from Ovation, in February 2014. Lefeng owns and operates the online retail business conducted through lefeng.com, an online retail website specialized in selling cosmetics and fashion products in China. The total consideration paid by us for the acquisition was approximately US$132.5 million, including cash payment and financing in connection with assumed liabilities. Subsequently in the same month, we acquired a 23% equity interest, on a fully diluted basis, in Ovation for a total consideration of approximately US$55.8 million pursuant to a share purchase and subscription agreement with Ovation and some of its existing shareholders. In February 2015, January 2016 and May 2016, we acquired an aggregate of 96.98% of equity interest in Feiyuan Logistics Co., Ltd., or Feiyuan, for a total consideration of approximately RMB255.7 million (US$36.8 million), to boost our warehousing, transportation and distribution capabilities in southeast China. In September 2016, we acquired 100% of equity interest in Zhejiang Ebatong Technology Co., Ltd., which is a third-party payment service provider, for a total consideration of RMB428.3 million (US$61.7 million). Zhejiang Ebatong Technology Co., Ltd. changed its name to Zhejiang Vipshop Payment Co., Ltd. following the completion of acquisition, and would develop our Internet payment channel. In December 2017, subsidiaries of Tencent Holdings Limited, or Tencent, and JD.com, Inc., or JD.com, invested in us with an aggregate investment amount of US$862.3 million (approximately RMB5.61 billion) in cash. A Tencent subsidiary and JD.com also entered into strategic cooperation framework agreement and business cooperation framework agreement with us, respectively. Under these agreements, Tencent granted us an access interface on Weixin Wallet, and JD.com granted us access interfaces on JD.com’s mobile application and JD.com’s Weixin Discovery shopping application, to utilize the traffic from such platforms. Strategic acquisitions and subsequent integrations of newly acquired businesses would require significant managerial and financial resources and could result in a diversion of resources from our existing business, which in turn could adversely affect our growth and business operations. The costs of identifying and consummating acquisitions may be significant. We may also incur significant expenses in obtaining approvals from shareholders and relevant government authorities in China and elsewhere in the world. Our failure to consummate acquisitions could also require us to pay certain pre-negotiated fees and expenses. Acquired businesses or assets may not generate expected financial results and may have historically incurred and continue to incur losses. In addition, acquisitions could also require the use of substantial amount of cash, issuance of equity or debt securities, incurrence of significant goodwill and related impairment charges, amortization expenses for intangible assets and exposure to potential unknown liabilities of the acquired businesses or assets, including liabilities as the result of historical actions of the acquired businesses. The cost and duration of integrating newly acquired businesses could also materially exceed our expectations. Any such negative developments could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations. Any interruption in the operation of our regional logistics hubs or data centers for an extended period may materially and adversely affect our business. Our ability to process and fulfill orders accurately and to provide high quality customer service depends on the efficient and uninterrupted operation of our current regional logistics hubs and our self-owned servers located in data centers operated by major PRC Internet datacenter providers. Our regional logistics hubs and data centers may be vulnerable to damage caused by fire, flood, power loss, telecommunications failure, break-ins, earthquake, human errors and other events. We have developed a disaster tolerant system which includes real-time data mirroring, daily off-line data back-up and redundancy and load balancing. However, we do not carry business interruption insurance. The occurrence of any of the foregoing risks could materially and adversely affect our business, prospects, financial condition, and results of operations. 18 We may be subject to product liability claims if people or properties are harmed by the products we sell. We sell products manufactured by third parties, some of which may be defectively designed or manufactured. As a result, sales of such products could expose us to product liability claims relating to personal injury or property damage and may require product recalls or other actions. Third parties subject to such injury or damage may bring claims or legal proceedings against us as a product retailer or as a marketplace service provider. Currently, we maintain the third-party liability insurance and product liability insurance in relation to products we sell for any product liability claims based on property damage or personal injury. We also maintain public liability insurance. However, any material product liability claim beyond our coverage or litigation could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Even unsuccessful claims could result in the use of funds and managerial efforts in defending them and could negatively impact on our reputation. We have limited insurance coverage which could expose us to significant costs and business disruption. Risks associated with our business and operations include, but are not limited to, damage to properties due to fire, explosions and other accidents, business interruption due to power shortages or network failure, product liability claims, transportation damages, losses of key personnel and risks posed by natural disasters including storms, floods and earthquakes, any of which may result in significant costs or business disruption. We have maintained insurance coverage we consider necessary and sufficient for our business, and customary for the industry in which we operate, including all risk property insurance covering our equipment, facilities, inventories and other properties and public liability insurance covering certain premises liability. However, as the insurance industry in China is still in an early stage of development, insurance companies in China currently offer limited business-related insurance products. We do not maintain business interruption insurance. We cannot assure you that our insurance coverage is sufficient to prevent us from any loss to be sustained or that we will be able to successfully claim our losses under our current insurance policies on a timely basis, or at all. If we incur any loss that is not covered by our insurance policies, or the compensated amount is significantly less than our actual loss, our business, financial condition, and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. Our business depends on the continuing efforts of our management. If we lose their services, our business may be severely disrupted. Our business operations depend on the continuing efforts of our management, particularly the executive officers named in ‘‘Item 6.A. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—Directors and Senior Management’’ in this annual report. If one or more of our management were unable or unwilling to continue their employment with us, we might not be able to replace them in a timely manner, or at all. We may incur additional expenses to recruit and retain qualified replacements. Our business may be severely disrupted and our financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected. In addition, our management may join a competitor or form a competing company. We can provide no assurance that we will be able to successfully enforce our contractual rights included in the employment agreements we have entered into with our management team, particularly in China, where all these individuals reside. As a result, our business may be negatively affected due to the loss of one or more members of our management. If we are unable to attract, train and retain qualified personnel, our business may be materially and adversely affected. We intend to hire and retain additional qualified employees to support our business operations and planned expansion. Our future success depends, to a significant extent, on our ability to attract, train and retain qualified personnel, particularly management, technical, marketing and other operational personnel with expertise in the online retail industry. Our experienced mid-level managers are 19 instrumental in implementing our business strategies, executing our business plans and supporting our business operations and growth. Since our industry is characterized by high demand and intense competition for talent, we can provide no assurance that we will be able to attract or retain qualified staff or other highly skilled employees that we will need to achieve our strategic objectives. In addition, our ability to train and integrate new employees into our operations may also be limited and may not meet the demand for our business growth on a timely fashion, or at all. If we are unable to attract, train and retain qualified personnel, our business may be materially and adversely affected. Failure to renew our current leases or locate desirable alternatives for our facilities could materially and adversely affect our business. We lease various properties for offices, logistics centers, data centers and customer service centers. We may not be able to successfully extend or renew such leases and may therefore be forced to relocate our affected operations. This could disrupt our operations and result in significant relocation expenses, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, we compete with other businesses for premises at certain locations or of desirable sizes. As a result, even though we could extend or renew our leases, rental payments may significantly increase as a result of the high demand for the leased properties. In addition, we may not be able to locate desirable alternative sites for our facilities as our business continues to grow and such failure in relocating our affected operations could affect our business and operations. Our use of leased properties could be challenged by third parties, which may cause interruptions to our business operations. Some of our landlords do not have proper ownership certificates for the properties we lease, or have other restrictions on their ownership of the properties. In particular, we have six offices in Guangzhou as of the date of this report. Some of them are located on land allocated by local government, and the landlord has not obtained the relevant government approvals for leasing the premises. In addition, some of our leased properties were mortgaged by the owners to third parties before we entered into lease agreements with them, and if such owners fail to perform their obligations secured by such properties and the mortgage is enforced by the third parties, we may be unable to continue to lease such properties and may be forced to relocate. Furthermore, a few of our leasehold interests in leased properties have not been registered with relevant PRC government authorities as required by PRC laws. According to PRC laws, rules and regulations, failure to register a lease agreement will not affect its effectiveness between the landlord and the tenant. However, the landlord and the tenant may be subject to administrative fines of up to RMB10,000 each for such failure to register the lease. As of the date of this annual report, we are not aware of any claims or actions being contemplated or initiated by government authorities or any third parties with respect to our leasehold interests in or use of such properties. Currently, we are constructing our new office building in Guangzhou and plan to move into the new office building upon its anticipated completion in 2019. However, we cannot assure you that our use of the leased properties before we move into our new office building will not be challenged by the government authorities or third parties alleging ownership of such properties. In the event that our use of properties is successfully challenged, we may be forced to relocate the affected operations. We can provide no assurance that we will be able to find suitable replacement sites on terms acceptable to us on a timely basis, or at all, or that we will not be subject to material liability resulting from third parties’ challenges on our use of such properties. As a result, our business, financial condition, and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected. 20 If we fail to implement and maintain an effective system of internal controls, we may be unable to accurately report our results of operations or prevent fraud, and investor confidence and the market price of our ADSs may be materially and adversely affected. We are subject to the reporting obligations under the U.S. securities laws. The Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, as required under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, has adopted rules requiring a public company to include a report of management on the effectiveness of such company’s internal control over financial reporting in its annual report on Form 20-F. In addition, an independent registered public accounting firm for a public company must issue an attestation report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting for the year ended December 31, 2017, as included in this annual report. As required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and related rules promulgated by SEC, our management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017 using criteria established in Internal Control— Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this assessment, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2017. In addition, our independent registered public accounting firm attested the effectiveness of our internal control and reported that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2017. If we fail to achieve and maintain an effective internal control environment for our financial reporting, we may not be able to conclude on an ongoing basis that we have effective internal control over financial reporting in accordance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. We may therefore need to incur additional costs and use additional management and other resources in an effort to comply with Section 404 of the Sarbanes- Oxley Act and other requirements going forward. Moreover, effective internal control over financial reporting is necessary for us to produce reliable financial reports. As a result, any failure to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting could result in the loss of investor confidence in the reliability of our financial statements, which in turn could negatively impact the trading price of our ADSs. Additionally, ineffective internal control over financial reporting could expose us to increased risk of fraud or misuse of corporate assets and subject us to potential delisting from the stock exchange on which we list, regulatory investigations and civil or criminal sanctions. Our business, financial condition and results of operations, as well as our ability to obtain financing, may be adversely affected by the downturn in the global or Chinese economy. The global macroeconomic environment is facing challenges, including the escalation of the European sovereign debt crisis since 2011, the end of quantitative easing by the U.S. Federal Reserve and the economic slowdown in the Eurozone in 2014, and the slowdown of the Chinese economy since 2012. There have been concerns over unrest in the Middle East and Africa, which have resulted in volatility in oil and other markets, and over the expansion of terrorist activities into Europe and other regions. In June 2016, British citizens voted in a referendum to withdraw the membership of the United Kingdom from the European Union. The result of the vote caused instant and significant volatility in the global financial and securities markets. The various uncertainties in the political and economic situations of the United Kingdom and the European Union arising from the anticipated withdrawal may have a negative and prolonged impact on the global economy. Economic conditions in China are sensitive to global economic conditions. Our business and operations are primarily based in China and substantially all of our revenues are derived from our operations in China. Accordingly, our financial results have been, and are expected to continue to be, affected by the economy and online retail industry in China. While the economy in China has grown significantly over the past decades, growth has been uneven, both geographically and among various sectors of the economy, and the rate of growth has been slowing. The online retail industry is particularly sensitive to economic downturns, and the macroeconomic environment in China may affect our business and prospects. A prolonged slowdown in the global or Chinese economy may lead to a 21 reduced level of online purchasing activities, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations. Moreover, a slowdown in the global or Chinese economy or the recurrence of any financial disruptions may materially and adversely impact financings available to us. The weakness in the economy could erode investors’ confidence, which constitutes the basis of the credit markets. There is considerable uncertainty over the long-term effects of the expansionary monetary and fiscal policies that have been adopted by the central banks and financial authorities of some of the world’s leading economies, including China. The recent financial turmoil affecting the financial markets and banking system may significantly restrict our ability to obtain financing in the capital markets or from financial institutions on commercially reasonable terms, or at all. Any prolonged slowdown in the global or Chinese economy may negatively impact our business, results of operations, and financial condition, and continued turbulence in the international markets may adversely affect our ability to access the capital markets to meet liquidity needs. Our results of operations are subject to quarterly fluctuations due to a number of factors that could adversely affect our business and the trading price of our ADSs. We experience seasonality in our business, reflecting a combination of seasonal fluctuations in Internet usage and traditional retail seasonality patterns. For example, we generally experience less user traffic and purchase orders during national holidays in China, particularly during the Chinese New Year holiday season in the first quarter of each year. Furthermore, sales in the traditional retail industry are significantly higher in the fourth quarter of each calendar year than in the preceding three quarters. Due to the foregoing factors, our financial condition and results of operations for future quarters may continue to fluctuate and our historical quarterly results may not be comparable to future quarters. As a result, the trading price of our ADSs may fluctuate from time to time due to seasonality. Risks Relating to Our Corporate Structure and Restrictions on Our Industry Substantial uncertainties and restrictions exist with respect to the interpretation and application of PRC laws and regulations relating to online commerce and provision of Internet content in China. If the PRC government finds that the structure we have adopted for our business operations does not comply with PRC laws and regulations, we could be subject to severe penalties, including shut-down of our Vipshop Online Platform. Foreign ownership of Internet-based businesses is subject to significant restrictions under current PRC laws and regulations. The PRC government regulates Internet access, provision of online information and the conduct of online commerce through strict business licensing requirements and other government regulations. These laws and regulations also include limitations on foreign ownership in PRC companies that provide value-added telecommunication services, including commercial Internet content services and online data processing and transaction processing (operating e-commerce) services. Specifically, foreign investors are not allowed to own more than 50% of the equity interests in any entity conducting value-added telecommunication services (except for operating e-commerce), including commercial Internet content provision business. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, or MIIT, issued the Circular on Strengthening the Administration of Foreign Investment in and Operation of Value-added Telecommunications Business, or the MIIT Circular, in July 2006. The MIIT Circular reiterated the regulations on foreign investment in telecommunications businesses, which require foreign investors to set up foreign-invested enterprises, or FIEs, and obtain value-added telecommunication business operating licenses, or VATS Licenses, to conduct any value-added telecommunications business in China. Because commercial Internet content provision is a value-added telecommunication business, FIEs that plan to engage in Internet content provision business must obtain VATS Licenses for Internet content provision business, or the ICP Licenses. Meanwhile, the operators of online platforms that provide access to third-party merchants for sales of their products 22 are also required to obtain a VATS License for online data processing and transaction processing (operating e-commerce) services, or the EDI License. Under the MIIT Circular, a domestic company that holds a VATS License, including the ICP License or EDI License, is prohibited from leasing, transferring or selling the license to foreign investors in any form, and from providing any assistance, including providing resources, sites or facilities, to foreign investors that conduct value-added telecommunications business illegally in China. We are a Cayman Islands company, and our PRC subsidiary, namely Vipshop (China) Co., Ltd., or Vipshop China, is a wholly foreign-owned enterprise, or WFOE, under PRC law. To comply with PRC laws and regulations, we conduct our operations in China, including the operations of our Vipshop Online Platform, through contractual arrangements entered into by our respective consolidated affiliated entities, namely, Vipshop Information Technology Co., Ltd., or Vipshop Information, Tianjin Pinjian E-Commerce Co., Ltd. (formerly known as ‘‘Shanghai Pinjian E-Commerce Co., Ltd.’’), or Lefeng Information, Pin Jun Tong Enterprise Management & Consulting Co., Ltd., or Pin Jun Tong, and Guangzhou Vipshop E-Commerce Co., Ltd., or Vipshop E-Commerce. Because all shareholders of our consolidated affiliated entities are PRC citizens, our consolidated affiliated entities are therefore considered PRC domestic enterprises under PRC laws. As of the date of this annual report, our consolidated affiliated entity, Vipshop Information, held an ICP License that is essential to the operation of our business and valid until September 24, 2018, and Vipshop E-Commerce held an EDI License valid until December 2022, which is required for providing platform access to third-party merchants for their sales of products to further develop our business. For a detailed description of these licenses and permits, see ‘‘Item 4.B. Information on the Company—Business Overview— Regulation.’’ Each of our consolidated affiliated entities is a PRC limited liability company. As a result of these contractual arrangements, we exert control over our consolidated affiliated entities and consolidate their operating results in our financial statements under U.S. GAAP. For a detailed description of these contractual arrangements, see ‘‘Item 4.C. Information on the Company— Organizational Structure.’’ In the opinion of our PRC counsel, Han Kun Law Offices, our current ownership structure, the ownership structure of our PRC subsidiaries and our consolidated affiliated entities, each as described in this annual report, are in compliance with existing PRC laws, rules and regulations, and the contractual arrangements among (a) Vipshop China, (b) Vipshop Information, and (c) shareholders of Vipshop Information as one set and the other three sets concerning our insignificant consolidated affiliated entities, each as described in this annual report, are not in violation of any existing PRC laws, rules and regulations. There are, however, substantial uncertainties regarding the interpretation and application of current or future PRC laws and regulations. Particularly, in January 2015, the PRC Ministry of Commerce, or MOFCOM, published a discussion draft of the proposed Foreign Investment Law for public review and comments. Under the draft Foreign Investment Law, variable interest entities would also be deemed as FIEs, if they are ultimately ‘‘controlled’’ by foreign investors, and be subject to restrictions on foreign investments. See also ‘‘Item 3.D. Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Corporate Structure and Restrictions on Our Industry—Our business may be significantly affected by the Draft Foreign Investment Law, if implemented as proposed.’’ Accordingly, we cannot assure you that PRC government authorities will not ultimately take a view contrary to or otherwise different from that of our PRC counsel. If our ownership structure, contractual arrangements and businesses of our company, our PRC subsidiaries or our consolidated affiliated entities are found to be in violation of any existing or future PRC laws or regulations, the relevant government authorities, including CSRC, would have broad discretion in dealing with such violation, including levying fines, confiscating our income or the income of our PRC subsidiaries or our consolidated affiliated entities, revoking the business licenses or operating licenses of our PRC subsidiaries or our consolidated affiliated entities, shutting down our servers or blocking our platform, discontinuing or placing restrictions or onerous conditions on our operations, requiring us to undergo a costly and disruptive restructuring, restricting or prohibiting our 23 use of proceeds from any securities offerings outside China to finance our business and operations in China, and taking other regulatory or enforcement actions that could be harmful to our business. Any of these actions could cause significant disruption to our business operations and severely damage our reputation, which would in turn materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. We rely on contractual arrangements with our consolidated affiliated entities and their respective shareholders for the operation of our business, which may not be as effective as direct ownership. If our consolidated affiliated entities and their respective shareholders fail to perform their obligations under these contractual arrangements, we may have to resort to arbitration or litigation to enforce our rights, which may be time-consuming, unpredictable, expensive, and damaging to our operations and reputation. Because of PRC restrictions on foreign ownership of Internet-based businesses in China, we depend on contractual arrangements with our consolidated affiliated entities, in which we have no ownership interest, through our PRC subsidiaries to partly conduct our operations. These contractual arrangements, governed by PRC laws, are intended to provide us with effective control over our consolidated affiliated entities and allow us to obtain economic benefits from them. Although we have been advised by our PRC counsel, Han Kun Law Offices, that these contractual arrangements are valid, binding and enforceable under current PRC laws, these contractual arrangements may not be as effective in providing control as direct ownership. For example, our consolidated affiliated entities and their respective shareholders could breach their contractual arrangements with us by, among other things, failing to operate our online retail business in an acceptable manner or taking other actions that are detrimental to our interests. If we held controlling equity interest in our consolidated affiliated entities, we would be able to exercise our shareholder rights to effect changes to its board of directors, which in turn could implement changes at the management and operational level of the consolidated affiliated entities. However, under the current contractual arrangements, if our consolidated affiliated entities or their respective shareholders fail to perform their obligations under these contractual arrangements, we may have to incur substantial costs to enforce such arrangements, and rely on legal remedies, including arbitration and litigation, under PRC law, which may not be sufficient or effective. In particular, the contractual arrangements relating to Vipshop Information and the two recently established consolidated affiliated entities, namely Pin Jun Tong and Vipshop E-Commerce Co., provide that any dispute arising from these arrangements will be submitted to the South China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission for arbitration, while the contractual arrangements relating to Lefeng Information provide that any dispute arising from these arrangements will be submitted to the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission for arbitration. The ruling of such arbitration will be final and binding. The legal framework and system in China, particularly those relating to arbitration proceedings, is not as developed as other jurisdictions such as the United States. As a result, significant uncertainties relating to the enforcement of legal rights through arbitration, litigation and other legal proceedings remain in China, which could limit our ability to enforce these contractual arrangements and exert effective control over our consolidated affiliated entities. If we are unable to enforce these contractual arrangements, or if we suffer significant delay or other obstacles in the process of enforcing these contractual arrangements, our business and operations could be severely disrupted, which could materially and adversely affect our results of operations and damage our reputation, and we may not be able to consolidate the financial results of our consolidated affiliated entities into our consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP. See ‘‘Item 3.D. Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Doing Business in China—Uncertainties with respect to the PRC legal system could adversely affect us.’’ 24 The shareholders of our significant consolidated affiliated entities have potential conflict of interest with us, which may adversely affect our business. Each shareholder of Vipshop Information is a shareholder and/or director of our company. In addition, such shareholders’ equity interest in our company will be further diluted as a result of any future offering of equity securities. As a result, conflict of interest may arise as a result of such dual shareholding and governance structure. Each of these shareholders of Vipshop Information is also a director of our company, and has a duty of care and a duty of loyalty to our company and to our shareholders as a whole under Cayman Islands law. Under the contractual arrangements with Vipshop Information and its shareholders, (a) we may replace any such individual as a shareholder of Vipshop Information at our discretion, and (b) each of these individuals has executed a power of attorney to appoint Vipshop China or its designated third party to vote on their behalf and exercise shareholder rights of Vipshop Information. However, we cannot assure you that these individuals will act in the best interests of our company should any conflict of interest arise, or that any conflict of interest will be resolved in our favor. These individuals may breach or cause Vipshop Information to breach the existing contractual arrangements. If we cannot resolve any conflict of interest or disputes between us and any of these individuals, we would have to rely on legal proceedings, which may be expensive, time-consuming and disruptive to our operations. There is also substantial uncertainty as to the outcome of any such legal proceedings. We may lose the ability to use and enjoy assets held by our consolidated affiliated entities that are important to the operation of our business if either such entity goes bankrupt or becomes subject to a dissolution or liquidation proceeding. As part of our contractual arrangements with our consolidated affiliated entities, each such entity holds certain assets that are important to the operation of our business. If either of our consolidated affiliated entities goes bankrupt and all or part of its assets become subject to liens or rights of third- party creditors, we may be unable to continue some or all of our business activities, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. If either of our consolidated affiliated entities undergoes a voluntary or involuntary liquidation proceeding, the unrelated third-party creditors may claim rights to some or all of these assets, thereby hindering our ability to operate our business, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Our business may be significantly affected by the Draft Foreign Investment Law, if implemented as proposed. On January 19, 2015, MOFCOM published the draft Foreign Investment Law. At the same time, MOFCOM published an accompanying explanatory note of the draft Foreign Investment Law, which contains important information about the draft Foreign Investment Law, including its drafting philosophy and principlesplans to transition to the new legal regime and treatment of business in China controlled by foreign invested enterprises. The draft Foreign Investment Law proposed significant changes to the PRC foreign investment legal regime and, when implemented, may have a significant impact on businesses in China controlled by foreign invested enterprises primarily through contractual arrangements, such as our business. MOFCOM solicited comments on the draft Foreign Investment Law in 2015, but no new draft has been published since then. There is substantial uncertainty with respect to its final content, interpretation, adoption timeline and effective date. It is anticipated, however, that the draft Foreign Investment Law will reflect regulations on variable interest entities. MOFCOM suggests both registration and approval as potential options for the regulation of variable interest entity structures, depending on whether they are ‘‘Chinese’’ or ‘‘foreign controlled.’’ One of the core concepts of the draft Foreign Investment Law is ‘‘de facto control,’’ which emphasizes substance over form in determining whether an entity is ‘‘Chinese’’ or ‘‘foreign-controlled.’’ ‘‘Chinese investors’’ are individuals who are Chinese nationals, Chinese government agencies and any domestic enterprise controlled by Chinese nationals or government agencies. ‘‘Foreign investors’’ are foreign citizens, foreign governments, international organizations and entities controlled by foreign citizens and entities. 25 It is likely that we might be considered ultimately controlled by PRC entities and/or citizens, because, among others, Mr. Eric Ya Shen as a PRC citizen and his affiliates held 16,510,358 Class B ordinary shares and options to acquire 192,500 Class A ordinary shares, representing approximately 58.9% of our total voting power as of March 31, 2018. The draft Foreign Investment Law has not taken a position on what actions will be taken with respect to existing companies with VIE structure, whether or not these companies are controlled by PRC entities and/or citizens, while it is soliciting comments from the public on this point. Moreover, it is uncertain whether the online sales, e-commerce, and value-added telecommunications industries, in which our consolidated affiliated entities operate, will be subject to the foreign investment restrictions or prohibitions set forth on the ‘‘negative list’’ to be issued. If the enacted version of the Foreign Investment Law and the final ‘‘negative list’’ mandate further actions, such as MOFCOM market entry clearance or certain restructuring of our corporate structure and operations, to be completed by companies with existing VIE structure like us, we face substantial uncertainties as to whether these actions can be timely completed, or at all, and our business and financial condition may be materially and adversely affected. The draft Foreign Investment Law, if enacted as proposed, may also materially impact our corporate governance practice and increase our compliance costs. For instance, the draft Foreign Investment Law imposes stringent ad hoc and periodic information reporting requirements on foreign investors and the applicable FIEs. Aside from investment implementation report and investment amendment report that are required at each investment and alteration of investment specifics, an annual report is mandatory, and large foreign investors meeting certain criteria are required to report on a quarterly basis. Any company found to be non-compliant with these information reporting obligations may potentially be subject to fines and/or administrative or criminal liabilities, and the persons directly responsible may be subject to criminal liabilities. Our contractual arrangements with our consolidated affiliated entities may result in adverse tax consequences to us. We might be subject to adverse tax consequences if the PRC tax authorities were to determine that the contracts between our PRC subsidiaries and our consolidated affiliated entities were not entered into on an arm’s length basis and therefore constitute favorable transfer pricing arrangements. If this occurs, the PRC tax authorities could request that our consolidated affiliated entities adjust its taxable income, if any, upward for PRC tax purposes. Such a pricing adjustment could adversely affect us by increasing our consolidated affiliated entities’ tax expenses without reducing our tax expenses, which could subject our consolidated affiliated entities to late payment fees and other penalties for underpayment of taxes. The PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law, or the EIT Law, requires every enterprise in China to submit annual report of enterprise income tax, or EIT, together with a report on transactions with its related parties to the relevant tax authorities. The tax authorities may impose reasonable adjustments on taxation if they have identified any related party transactions that are inconsistent with arm’s length principles. As a result, our contractual arrangements with our consolidated affiliated entities may result in adverse tax consequences to us. If our PRC subsidiaries and consolidated affiliated entities fail to obtain and maintain the requisite assets, licenses and approvals required under PRC laws, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected. Foreign investment and the Internet industry in China are highly regulated by the PRC government, and numerous regulatory authorities of the central PRC government are empowered to issue and implement regulations governing various aspects of the Internet industry. See ‘‘Item 4.B. Information on the Company—Business Overview—Regulation.’’ Our PRC subsidiaries and our consolidated affiliated entities are required to obtain and maintain certain assets relevant to their businesses as well as applicable licenses or approvals from different regulatory authorities in order to 26 provide their current services. These assets and licenses are essential to the operation of our business and are generally subject to annual review by the relevant government authorities. Furthermore, our PRC subsidiaries and our consolidated affiliated entities may be required to obtain additional licenses. For instance, as we have launched various Internet finance businesses, we are required to obtain and hold various licenses, permits or approvals that are required for the provision of those Internet finance services, and we may be required to obtain additional licenses, permits or approvals in case we further expand our Internet finance businesses in the future. See ‘‘Item 4.B. Information on the Company— Business Overview—Regulation—Regulation on Internet finance.’’ However, we cannot assure you that we will obtain such licenses, permits or approvals in a timely manner, or at all, due to complex procedural requirements and policies. If we fail to obtain or maintain any of the required, assets, licenses or approvals, our continued business operations in the Internet industry may subject it to various penalties, such as confiscation of illegal net revenue, fines and the discontinuation or restriction of our operations. Any such disruption in the business operations of our consolidated affiliated entities will materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations. Risks Relating to Doing Business in China Changes in China’s economic, political or social conditions or government policies could materially and adversely affect our business and operations. Substantially all of our assets and operations are located in China. Accordingly, our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may be influenced to a significant degree by political, economic and social conditions in China generally and by continued yet slowing economic growth in China as a whole. The Chinese economy differs from the economies of most developed countries in many respects, including the level of government involvement, level of development, growth rate, control of foreign exchange and allocation of resources. Although the PRC government has implemented measures emphasizing the utilization of market forces for economic reform, the reduction of state ownership of productive assets, and the establishment of improved corporate governance in business enterprises, a substantial portion of productive assets in China is still owned by the government. In addition, the PRC government continues to play a significant role in regulating industry development by imposing industrial policies. The PRC government also exercises significant control over China’s economic growth through allocating resources, controlling payment of foreign currency-denominated obligations, setting monetary policy, and providing preferential treatment to particular industries or companies. While the Chinese economy has experienced significant growth over the past decades, growth has been uneven, both geographically and among various sectors of the economy, and the rate of growth has been slowing since 2012. Any adverse changes in economic conditions in China, in the policies of the PRC government or in the laws and regulations in China could have a material adverse effect on the overall economic growth of China. Such developments could adversely affect our business and operating results, lead to reduction in demand for our services and adversely affect our competitive position. The PRC government has implemented various measures to encourage economic growth and guide the allocation of resources. Some of these measures may benefit the overall Chinese economy, but may have a negative effect on us. For example, our financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected by government control over capital investments or changes in tax regulations. In addition, in the past the PRC government has implemented certain measures, including interest rate adjustment, to control the pace of economic growth. These measures may cause decreased economic activity in China, which may adversely affect our business and operating results. 27 Uncertainties with respect to the PRC legal system could adversely affect us. We conduct our business primarily through our PRC subsidiaries and our consolidated affiliated entities in China. Our operations in China are governed by PRC laws and regulations. Our significant PRC subsidiary, Vipshop China, is an FIE subject to laws and regulations applicable to foreign investment in China and, in particular, laws applicable to FIEs. The PRC legal system is a civil law system based on written statutes. Unlike the common law system, prior court decisions under the civil law system may be cited for reference but have limited precedential value. In 1979, the PRC government began to promulgate a comprehensive system of laws and regulations governing economic matters in general. The overall effect of legislation over the past three decades has significantly enhanced the protections afforded to various forms of foreign investments in China. However, China has not developed a fully integrated legal system, and recently enacted laws and regulations may not sufficiently cover all aspects of economic activities in China. In particular, the interpretation and enforcement of these laws and regulations involve uncertainties. Since PRC administrative and court authorities have significant discretion in interpreting and implementing statutory provisions and contractual terms, it may be difficult to evaluate the outcome of administrative and court proceedings and the level of legal protection we enjoy. These uncertainties may affect our judgment on the relevance of legal requirements and our ability to enforce our contractual rights or tort claims. In addition, the regulatory uncertainties may be exploited through unmerited or frivolous legal actions or threats in attempts to extract payments or benefits from us. Furthermore, the PRC legal system is based in part on government policies and internal rules, some of which are not published on a timely basis or at all and may have retroactive effect. As a result, we may not be aware of our violation of any of these policies and rules until some time after the violation. In addition, any administrative and court proceedings in China may be protracted, resulting in substantial costs and diversion of resources and management attention. We may be adversely affected by the complexity, uncertainties and changes in PRC regulation of Internet- related businesses and companies. The PRC government extensively regulates the Internet industry, including foreign ownership of, and the licensing and permit requirements pertaining to, companies in the Internet industry. These Internet-related laws and regulations are relatively new and evolving, and their interpretation and enforcement involve significant uncertainty. As a result, in certain circumstances it may be difficult to determine what actions or omissions may be deemed to be in violations of applicable laws and regulations. Issues, risks, and uncertainties relating to PRC regulation of the Internet-related businesses include, but are not limited to, the following: (cid:127) We only have contractual control over our Vipshop Online Platform and other platforms in China. We do not directly own our platform through our subsidiaries due to the restriction of foreign investment in businesses providing value-added telecommunication services in China, including Internet content provision services. This may significantly disrupt our business, subject us to sanctions, compromise enforceability of related contractual arrangements, or have other harmful effects on us. (cid:127) There are uncertainties relating to the regulation of the Internet-related businesses in China, including evolving requirements for licenses and permits. Some of our licenses, permits, or operations may be subject to challenge by the PRC government, or we may fail to obtain licenses or permits that may be deemed necessary for our operations or we may not be able to obtain or renew certain licenses or permits. If we fail to maintain any of these required licenses or permits, we may be subject to various penalties, including fines and discontinuation of or restriction on our operations. Any such disruption in our business operations may have a material and adverse effect on our results of operations. 28 (cid:127) New laws and regulations may be promulgated to regulate Internet-related businesses in China, including online retail businesses and Internet finance businesses. Additional licenses or permits may be required for or stricter supervision may be imposed on our Internet-related businesses. If our operations do not comply with these new laws and regulations after they become effective, or if we fail to obtain any licenses or permits required under these new laws and regulations, we could be subject to penalties. We cannot assure you that we will be able to obtain all licenses and permits required for Internet-related businesses in a timely manner, or at all. The interpretation and application of existing PRC laws, regulations and policies and possible new laws, regulations or policies relating to the Internet industry have created substantial uncertainties regarding the legality of existing and future foreign investments in, and the businesses and activities of Internet businesses in China, including our business. We cannot assure you that we have obtained all the permits or licenses required for conducting our business in China or will be able to maintain our existing licenses or obtain any new licenses required under any new laws or regulations. There are also risks that we may be found to violate the existing or future laws and regulations given the uncertainty and complexity of China’s regulation of Internet-related businesses. Regulation and censorship of information disseminated over the Internet in China may adversely affect our business, and we may be liable for content that is displayed on our platforms. China has enacted laws and regulations governing Internet access and the distribution of products, services, news, information, audio-video programs and other content through the Internet. The PRC government has prohibited the distribution of information through the Internet that it deems to be in violation of PRC laws and regulations. If any of our Internet content were deemed by the PRC government to violate any content restrictions, we would not be able to continue to display such content and could become subject to penalties, including confiscation of income, fines, suspension of business and revocation of required licenses, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. We may also be subject to potential liability for any unlawful actions of our customers or users of our platforms or for content we distribute that is deemed inappropriate. It may be difficult to determine the type of content that may result in liability to us, and if we are found to be liable, we may be prevented from operating our platform in China. The audit reports included in this annual report have been prepared by our independent registered public accounting firm whose work may not be inspected fully by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board and, as such, you may be deprived of the benefits of such inspection. Our independent registered public accounting firm that issues the audit reports included in our annual report filed with SEC, as auditors of companies that are traded publicly in the United States and a firm registered with the U.S. Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, or PCAOB, is required by the laws of the United States to undergo regular inspections by PCAOB to assess its compliance with the laws of the United States and professional standards. Because we have substantial operations within China and, without the approval of PRC authorities, PCAOB is currently unable to conduct inspections of the work of our independent registered public accounting firm as it relates to those operations, our independent registered public accounting firm is not currently inspected fully by PCAOB. This lack of PCAOB inspections in China prevents PCAOB from regularly evaluating our independent registered public accounting firm’s audits and its quality control procedures. As a result, investors may be deprived of the benefits of PCAOB inspections. Inspections of other firms that PCAOB has conducted outside China have identified deficiencies in those firms’ audit procedures and quality control procedures, which may be addressed as part of the inspection process to improve future audit quality. The inability of PCAOB to conduct full inspections of auditors in China makes it more difficult to evaluate the effectiveness of our independent registered 29 public accounting firm’s audit procedures or quality control procedures as compared to auditors outside of China that are subject to PCAOB inspections. Investors may lose confidence in our reported financial information and procedures and the quality of our financial statements. If the settlement reached between SEC and the ‘‘Big Four’’ China-based accounting firms, including the PRC affiliate of our independent registered public accounting firm, concerning the manner in which SEC may seek access to audit work papers from audits in China of U.S.-listed companies, is not or cannot be performed in a manner acceptable to authorities in China and the United States, we could be unable to timely file future financial statements in compliance with the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Starting in 2011 all PRC audit firms practicing before SEC, including the PRC affiliate of our independent registered public accounting firm and those of the other ‘‘Big Four’’ networks, were affected by a conflict between U.S. and PRC laws. Specifically, SEC and PCAOB sought to obtain from the PRC accounting firms access to their audit work papers and related documents from audits in China of the operations of certain U.S.-listed companies. The PRC accounting firms were, however, advised by their legal counsels and directed by the relevant PRC authorities that under PRC law they could not respond directly to the U.S. regulators on those requests, and that requests by foreign regulators for access to such papers in China had to be channeled through CSRC. In December 2012 SEC commenced administrative proceedings under Rule 102(e) of its Rules of Practice and also under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 against the PRC affiliates of the ‘‘Big Four’’ accounting firms, including the PRC affiliate of our independent registered public accounting firm. After the first hearing in July 2013, an administrative law judge issued an initial decision in January 2014 in favor of SEC and proposed penalties on the PRC accounting firms including a temporary suspension of their right to practice before SEC, which did not take effect pending review by SEC Commissioner. On February 6, 2015, before a review by SEC Commissioner had taken place, the PRC accounting firms reached a settlement with SEC whereby the proceedings were stayed. Under the settlement, SEC accepts that future requests by SEC for the production of documents will normally be made to CSRC. The PRC accounting firms will receive requests matching those under Section 106 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, and are required to abide by a detailed set of procedures with respect to such requests, which in substance require them to facilitate production via CSRC. If they fail to meet specified criteria, SEC retains authority to impose a variety of additional remedial measures on the PRC accounting firms depending on the nature of the failure. Remedies for any future noncompliance could include, as appropriate, an automatic six-month bar on a single firm’s performance of certain audit work, commencement of a new proceeding against a firm, or in extreme cases the resumption of the recently-stayed proceeding against all four firms. SEC also reserves the right to resume those proceedings in circumstances where, notwithstanding the accounting firms’ compliance with the procedures in the settlement agreement, SEC does not receive a production of documents which it considers satisfactory (for example, due to action or inaction by the PRC authorities). In the event SEC restarts the administrative proceedings, depending upon the final outcome, U.S.-listed companies with major PRC operations may find it difficult or impossible to retain auditors in respect of their operations in China whose work could contribute to SEC filings, which could result in financial statements being determined to not be in compliance with the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, including possible delisting. Moreover, any negative news about any such future proceedings against these accounting firms may cause investor uncertainty regarding China-based U.S.-listed companies and the market price of our ADSs may be adversely affected. If the PRC affiliate of our independent registered public accounting firm were denied, even temporarily, the ability to practice before SEC and we were unable to timely find another registered public accounting firm to audit and issue an opinion on our financial statements, our financial 30 statements could be determined to not be in compliance with the requirements of the Exchange Act. Such a determination could ultimately lead to the delisting of our ordinary shares from NYSE or deregistration from SEC, or both, which would substantially reduce or effectively terminate the trading of our ADSs in the United States. Fluctuations in exchange rates may materially and adversely affect your investment. The value of Renminbi against U.S. dollars and other currencies may fluctuate and is affected by, among other things, changes in political and economic conditions in China and by China’s foreign exchange policies. On July 21, 2005, the PRC government changed its decade-old policy of pegging the value of Renminbi to U.S. dollars, and Renminbi appreciated more than 20% against U.S. dollars over the following three years. Between July 2008 and June 2010, this appreciation halted and the exchange rate between Renminbi and U.S. dollars remained within a narrow band. Since June 2010, Renminbi has fluctuated against U.S. dollars, at times significantly and unpredictably. It is difficult to predict how market forces or PRC or U.S. government policy may impact the exchange rate between Renminbi and U.S. dollars in the future. All of our total net revenues and most of our expenses are denominated in Renminbi. Any significant revaluation of Renminbi may materially and adversely affect our revenues, earnings and financial position, and the value of, and any dividends payable on, our ADSs in U.S. dollars. For example, an appreciation of Renminbi against U.S. dollars would reduce the amount of Renminbi we would receive if we need to convert U.S. dollars into Renminbi. Conversely, a significant depreciation of Renminbi against U.S. dollars may significantly reduce the U.S. dollar equivalent of our earnings, which in turn could adversely affect the price of our ADSs. Limited hedging transactions are available in China to reduce our exposure to exchange rate fluctuations. We did not enter into any hedging transactions to hedge our exposure to the risks relating to fluctuations in exchange rates. While we may decide to enter into hedging transactions in the future, the availability and effectiveness of these hedges may be limited, and we may not be able to successfully hedge our exposure at all. In addition, our currency exchange losses may be magnified by PRC exchange control regulations that restrict our ability to convert Renminbi into foreign currencies. Governmental control of currency conversion may limit our ability to utilize our revenue effectively and affect the value of your investment. The PRC government imposes controls on the convertibility of Renminbi into foreign currencies and, in certain cases, the remittance of currency out of China. We receive substantially all of our revenue in Renminbi. Under our current corporate structure, our Cayman Islands holding company primarily relies on dividend payments from our PRC subsidiaries to fund any cash and financing requirements we may have. Under existing PRC foreign exchange regulations, payments of current account items, including profit distributions, interest payments and trade- and service-related foreign exchange transactions, can be made in foreign currencies without prior approval of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange, or SAFE, by complying with certain procedural requirements. Specifically, under the existing exchange restrictions, without prior approval of SAFE, cash generated from the operations of our PRC subsidiaries in China may be used to pay dividends to our company. However, approval from or registration with appropriate government authorities is required where Renminbi is to be converted into foreign currencies and remitted out of China to pay capital expenses such as the repayment of loans denominated in foreign currencies. As a result, we need to obtain SAFE approval to use cash generated from the operations of our PRC subsidiaries and consolidated affiliated entities to pay off their respective debt in a currency other than Renminbi owed to entities outside China, or to make other capital expenditure payments outside China in a currency other than Renminbi. The PRC government may at its discretion restrict access to foreign currencies for current account transactions in the future. If the foreign exchange control system prevents us from obtaining 31 sufficient foreign currencies to satisfy our foreign currency demands, we may not be able to pay dividends in foreign currencies to our shareholders, including holders of our ADSs. We principally rely on dividends and other distributions on equity paid by our PRC subsidiaries to fund our cash and financing requirements, and any limitation on the ability of our PRC subsidiaries to make payments to us could materially and adversely affect our ability to conduct our business. We are a Cayman Islands holding company and we rely principally on dividends and other distributions on equity from our PRC subsidiaries for our cash requirements, including for services of any debt we may incur. Our subsidiaries’ ability to distribute dividends is based upon their distributable earnings which are mainly derived from the payments for products and services from our consolidated affiliated entities. Current PRC regulations permit our PRC subsidiaries to pay dividends to their respective shareholders only out of their accumulated profits, if any, determined in accordance with PRC accounting standards and regulations. In addition, each of our PRC subsidiaries and our consolidated affiliated entities is required to set aside at least 10% of its after-tax profits each year, if any, to fund a statutory reserve until such reserve reaches 50% of its registered capital. Each of such entities in China may further set aside a portion of its after-tax profits to fund the employee welfare fund at the discretion of its board of directors. These reserves are not distributable as cash dividends. If our PRC subsidiaries incur debt on their own behalf in the future, the instruments governing the debt may restrict their ability to pay dividends or make other payments to us. Any limitation on the ability of our PRC subsidiaries to distribute dividends or other payments to their respective shareholders could materially and adversely limit our ability to grow, make investments or acquisitions that could be beneficial to our businesses, pay dividends or otherwise fund and conduct our business. PRC regulation of loans to and direct investments in PRC entities by offshore holding companies may delay or prevent us from using the proceeds of our debt and equity offerings to make loans or additional capital contributions to our PRC subsidiaries in China. Any funds we transfer to our PRC subsidiaries, either as a shareholder loan or as an increase in registered capital, are subject to approval by or registration with relevant government authorities in China. According to the relevant PRC regulations on FIEs, capital contributions to our PRC subsidiaries are subject to the filing with MOFCOM or its local branches and registration with other government authorities in China. In addition, (a) any foreign loan procured by our PRC subsidiaries is required to be registered with SAFE or its local branches, and (b) each of our PRC subsidiaries may not procure loans which exceed the difference between its registered capital and its total investment amount as approved by MOFCOM or its local branches. Any medium or long term loan to be provided by us to our consolidated affiliated entities must be approved by the National Development and Reform Commission, or NDRC, and SAFE or its local branches. We may not obtain these government approvals or complete such registrations on a timely basis, if at all, with respect to future capital contributions or foreign loans by us to our PRC subsidiaries. If we fail to receive such approvals or complete such registration, our ability to use the proceeds of our debt and equity offerings and to capitalize our PRC operations may be negatively affected, which could adversely affect our liquidity and our ability to fund and expand our business. Under the current SAFE rules as of the date of this annual report, we are required to apply Renminbi funds converted from the net proceeds we received from our public offerings of equity securities within the business scopes of our PRC subsidiaries. Although SAFE launched a nationwide reform of the administration of the settlement of the foreign exchange capitals of FIEs in 2015 to allow FIEs to settle their foreign exchange capital at their discretion and further relaxed its rules in 2016 to allow FIEs (excluding financial institutions) to go through foreign exchange settlement formalities for their foreign debts at their discretion, the current SAFE rules continue to prohibit FIEs from using Renminbi converted from their foreign exchange capitals for expenditure beyond their business scopes 32 as approved by the PRC government authorities. Moreover, the current SAFE rules continue to prohibit FIEs from using Renminbi converted from their registered capitals to provide entrusted loans or repay loans between non-financial institutions. Any violations of such SAFE rules may result in severe monetary or other penalties. There can be no assurance that SAFE would further relax its rules on the settlement of foreign exchange capitals of FIEs, and our ability to transfer to and use in China the net proceeds from our public offerings of equity securities may continue to be significantly limited, which may adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations. See ‘‘Item 4.B. Information on the Company—Business Overview—Regulation—Regulations on Foreign Currency Exchange.’’ Certain PRC regulations may make it more difficult for us to pursue growth through acquisitions. Among other things, the Regulations on Mergers and Acquisitions of Domestic Enterprises by Foreign Investors, or the M&A Rules, established additional procedures and requirements that could make merger and acquisition activities by foreign investors more time-consuming and complex. Such regulation requires, among other things, that MOFCOM be notified in advance of any change-of-control transaction in which a foreign investor acquires control of a PRC domestic enterprise or a foreign company with substantial PRC operations, if certain thresholds under the Provisions on Thresholds for Prior Notification of Concentrations of Undertakings, issued by the State Council on August 3, 2008, were triggered. Moreover, the Anti-Monopoly Law, which was promulgated by the Standing Committee of NPC, on August 30, 2007 and became effective on August 1, 2008, requires that transactions which are deemed concentrations and involve parties with specified turnover thresholds (for example, during the previous fiscal year, (i) the total global turnover of all operators participating in the transaction exceeds RMB10 billion and at least two of these operators each had a turnover of more than RMB400 million within China, or (ii) the total turnover within China of all the operators participating in the concentration exceeded RMB2 billion and at least two of these operators each had a turnover of more than RMB400 million within China) must be cleared by MOFCOM before they can be completed. We believe that the turnover of acquired business of Lefeng in 2013 is less than RMB400 million within China and have not sought clearance from MOFCOM, but we cannot assure you that MOFCOM will not take a view contrary to ours. In addition, PRC national security review rules, which became effective on September 1, 2011, require acquisitions by foreign investors of PRC companies engaged in military-related or certain other industries that are crucial to national security be subject to security review before consummation of any such acquisition. We may pursue potential strategic acquisitions that are complementary to our business and operations. Complying with the requirements of these regulations to complete such transactions could be time-consuming, and any required approval processes, including obtaining approval or clearance from MOFCOM, may delay or inhibit our ability to complete such transactions, which could affect our ability to expand our business or maintain our market share. PRC regulations relating to the establishment of offshore holding companies by PRC residents may subject our PRC resident beneficial owners or our PRC subsidiaries to liability or penalties, limit our ability to inject capital into our PRC subsidiaries, limit our PRC subsidiaries’ ability to increase their registered capital or distribute profits to us, or may otherwise adversely affect us. On July 4, 2014, SAFE has promulgated the Circular on Relevant Issues Concerning Foreign Exchange Control on Domestic Residents’ Offshore Investment and Financing and Roundtrip Investment Through Special Purpose Vehicles, or SAFE Circular 37, to replace the Notice on Relevant Issues Concerning Foreign Exchange Administration for Domestic Residents’ Financing and Roundtrip Investment Through Offshore Special Purpose Vehicles, or SAFE Circular 75, which ceased to be effective upon the promulgation of SAFE Circular 37. SAFE Circular 37 requires PRC residents (including PRC individuals and PRC corporate entities) to register with local branches of SAFE in connection with their direct or indirect offshore investment activities. SAFE Circular 37 is applicable to 33 our shareholders who are PRC residents and may be applicable to any offshore acquisitions that we make in the future. Under SAFE Circular 37, PRC residents who make, or have made prior to the implementation of SAFE Circular 37, direct or indirect investments in offshore special purpose vehicles, or SPVs, will be required to register such investments with SAFE or its local branches. In addition, any PRC resident who is a direct or indirect shareholder of an SPV, is required to update its filed registration with the local branch of SAFE with respect to that SPV, to reflect any material change. Moreover, any subsidiary of such SPV in China is required to urge the PRC resident shareholders to update their registration with the local branch of SAFE. If any PRC shareholder of such SPV fails to make the required registration or to update the previously filed registration, the subsidiary of such SPV in China may be prohibited from distributing its profits or the proceeds from any capital reduction, share transfer or liquidation to the SPV, and the SPV may also be prohibited from making additional capital contribution into its subsidiary in China. On February 28, 2015, SAFE promulgated a Notice on Further Simplifying and Improving Foreign Exchange Administration Policy on Direct Investment, or SAFE Notice 13, which became effective on June 1, 2015. Under SAFE Notice 13, applications for foreign exchange registration of inbound foreign direct investment and outbound overseas direct investment, including those required under SAFE Circular 37, will be filed with qualified banks instead of SAFE. The qualified banks will directly examine the applications and accept registrations under the supervision of SAFE. All of our shareholders that we are aware of being subject to the SAFE regulations have completed all necessary registrations with the local SAFE branch or qualified banks as required by SAFE Circular 37 by the end of 2017. We cannot assure you, however, that all of these individuals may continue to make required filings or updates on a timely manner, or at all. We can provide no assurance that we are or will in the future continue to be informed of identities of all PRC residents holding direct or indirect interest in our company. Any failure or inability by such individuals to comply with the SAFE regulations may subject us to fines or legal sanctions, such as restrictions on our cross- border investment activities or our PRC subsidiaries’ ability to distribute dividends to, or obtain foreign exchange-denominated loans from, our company or prevent us from making distributions or paying dividends. As a result, our business operations and our ability to make distributions to you could be materially and adversely affected. Furthermore, as these foreign exchange regulations are still relatively new and their interpretation and implementation has been constantly evolving, it is unclear how these regulations, and any future regulation concerning offshore or cross-border transactions, will be interpreted, amended and implemented by the relevant government authorities. For example, we may be subject to a more stringent review and approval process with respect to our foreign exchange activities, such as remittance of dividends and foreign-currency-denominated borrowings, which may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. In addition, if we decide to acquire a PRC domestic company, we cannot assure you that we or the owners of such company, as the case may be, will be able to obtain the necessary approvals or complete the necessary filings and registrations required by the foreign exchange regulations. This may restrict our ability to implement our acquisition strategy and could adversely affect our business and prospects. Failure to comply with PRC regulations regarding the registration requirements for employee stock incentive plans may subject the PRC plan participants or us to fines and other legal or administrative sanctions. In December 2006, the People’s Bank of China, or PBOC, promulgated the Administrative Measures of Foreign Exchange Matters for Individuals, which set forth the respective requirements for foreign exchange transactions by individuals (both PRC or non-PRC citizens) under either the current account or the capital account. In January 2007, SAFE issued implementing rules for the Administrative Measures of Foreign Exchange Matters for Individuals, which, among other things, 34 specified approval requirements for certain capital account transactions such as a PRC citizen’s participation in the employee stock ownership plans or stock option plans of an overseas publicly-listed company. In February 2012, SAFE promulgated the Notices on Issues Concerning the Foreign Exchange Administration for Domestic Individuals Participating in Stock Incentive Plans of Overseas Publicly-Listed Companies, or the Stock Option Rules, which replaced the Application Procedures of Foreign Exchange Administration for Domestic Individuals Participating in Employee Stock Ownership Plans or Stock Option Plans of Overseas Publicly-Listed Companies issued by SAFE in March 2007. Under these rules, PRC residents who participate in stock incentive plan in an overseas publicly-listed company are required to register with SAFE or its local branches and complete certain other procedures. Participants of a stock incentive plan who are PRC residents must retain a qualified PRC agent, which could be a PRC subsidiary of such overseas publicly-listed company or another qualified institution selected by such PRC subsidiary, to conduct SAFE registration and other procedures with respect to the stock incentive plan on behalf of its participants. Such participants must also retain an overseas entrusted institution to handle matters in connection with their exercise of stock options, the purchase and sale of corresponding stocks or interests and fund transfers. In addition, the PRC agent is required to amend SAFE registration with respect to the stock incentive plan if there is any material change to the stock incentive plan, the PRC agent or the overseas entrusted institution or other material changes. We and our PRC resident employees who participate in the employee stock incentive plans, which we adopted in March 2011, March 2012, and July 2014, respectively, have been subject to these regulations since our company became a publicly-listed company in the United States in March 2012. We have been assisting our PRC option grantees to complete the required registrations and procedures on a quarterly basis. If we or our PRC option grantees fail to comply with these regulations, we or our PRC option grantees may be subject to fines and other legal or administrative sanctions. See ‘‘Item 4.B. Information on the Company—Business Overview—Regulation—Regulations on Stock Incentive Plans.’’ We face uncertainty with respect to indirect transfers of equity interests in PRC resident enterprises by their non-PRC holding companies. On February 3, 2015, SAT issued a Public Notice Regarding Certain Enterprise Income Tax Matters on Indirect Transfer of Properties by Non-Tax Resident Enterprises, or SAT Public Notice 7. In December 2017, Article 13 and Paragraph 2 of Article 8 of SAT Public Notice 7 were abolished. Pursuant to SAT Public Notice 7, as amended, in the event that a non-PRC resident enterprise indirectly transfers equities and other properties of a PRC resident enterprise to evade its obligation of paying EIT by implementing arrangements that are not for reasonable commercial purpose, such indirect transfer shall be re-identified and recognized as a direct transfer of equities and other properties of the PRC resident enterprise. Although SAT Public Notice 7 introduced safe harbors for internal group restructurings and the purchase and sale of equity through a public securities market, it brought challenges to both offshore transferor and transferee (or other person who is obligated to pay for the transfer) of taxable assets. Where a non-PRC resident enterprise transfers taxable assets indirectly by disposing of the equity interests of an offshore holding company, which is an Indirect Transfer, the non-PRC resident enterprise as either transferor or transferee, or the PRC entity that directly owns the taxable assets, may report such Indirect Transfer to the relevant tax authority. Using a ‘‘substance over form’’ principle, the PRC tax authority may disregard the existence of the offshore holding company if it lacks a reasonable commercial purpose and was established for the purpose of reducing, avoiding or deferring PRC tax. As a result, gains derived from such Indirect Transfer may be subject to EIT in China, and the transferee or other person who is obligated to pay for the transfer is obligated to withhold applicable taxes currently at a rate of 10% for the transfer of equity interests in a PRC resident enterprise. Both the transferor and the transferee may be subject to penalties under PRC tax laws if the transferee fails to withhold the taxes and the transferor fails to pay the taxes. 35 We face uncertainties as to the reporting and other implications of past and future private equity financing transactions, share exchange or other transactions involving transfer of shares in our company by investors that are non-PRC resident enterprises, or sale or purchase of shares in other non-PRC resident companies or other taxable assets by us. Our company may be subject to filing obligations or taxed if our company is transferor in such transactions, and may be subject to withholding obligations if our company is transferee in such transactions, under SAT Public Notice 7. For transfer of shares in our company by investors that are non-PRC resident enterprises, our PRC subsidiaries may be requested to assist in the filing under SAT Public Notice 7. As a result, we may be required to expend valuable resources to comply with SAT Public Notice 7 or to request the relevant transferors from whom we purchase taxable assets to comply with these circulars, or to establish that our company should not be taxed under these circulars, which may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. Although it appears that SAT Public Notice 7 is not intended to apply to purchase and sale of shares of publicly traded companies in the open market, SAT Public Notice 7 may be determined by the tax authorities to be applicable to us in our acquisition of equity interests in companies such as Lefeng and Ovation, and our non-resident shareholders who acquired our shares outside of the open market and subsequently sell our shares in our private financing transactions or in the open market if any of such transactions were determined by the tax authorities to lack reasonable commercial purpose. As a result, we and our non-PRC resident investors may become at risk of being taxed under SAT Public Notice 7 and may be required to expend valuable resources to comply with SAT Public Notice 7 or to establish that we should not be taxed under SAT Public Notice 7, which may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations or such non-resident shareholders’ investments in us. It is unclear whether we will be considered a PRC ‘‘resident enterprise’’ under the PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law and, depending on the determination of our PRC ‘‘resident enterprise’’ status, our global income may be subject to the 25% PRC enterprise income tax, which could materially and adversely affect our results of operations. Under the EIT Law, which became effective in January 2008 and was amended on February 24, 2017, and its implementation rules, an enterprise established outside of the PRC with a ‘‘de facto management body’’ within the PRC is considered a PRC resident enterprise and will be subject to EIT at the rate of 25% on its global income. The implementation rules of the EIT Law define the term ‘‘de facto management bodies’’ as ‘‘establishments that carry out substantial and overall management and control over the manufacturing and business operations, personnel, accounting, properties, etc., of an enterprise.’’ On April 22, 2009, SAT issued the Notice Regarding the Determination of Chinese- Controlled Offshore Incorporated Enterprises as PRC Tax Resident Enterprises on the Basis of De Facto Management Bodies, or SAT Circular 82, which was partly amended by Announcement on Issues concerning the Determination of Resident Enterprises Based on the Standards of Actual Management Institutions issued by SAT on January 29, 2014, and further partly amended by Decision on Issuing the Lists of Invalid and Abolished Tax Departmental Rules and Taxation Normative Documents issued by SAT on December 29, 2017. SAT Circular 82, as amended, provides certain specific criteria for determining whether the ‘‘de facto management body’’ of a Chinese-controlled offshore-incorporated enterprise is located in China. Further, SAT Circular 82 states that certain Chinese-controlled enterprises will be classified as ‘‘resident enterprises’’ if the following are located or resident in China: senior management personnel and departments that are responsible for daily production, operation and management; financial and personnel decision making bodies; key properties, accounting books, company seal, and minutes of board meetings and shareholders’ meetings; and half or more of the senior management or directors having voting rights. In addition, SAT issued the Bulletin on Promulgation of the Administrative Measures for Income Tax of Chinese-Controlled Offshore- Incorporated Resident Enterprises (Trial Implementation) on July 27, 2011, effective from September 1, 36 2011 and partly amended on April 17, 2015 and June 28, 2016, or SAT Bulletin 45, providing more guidance on the implementation of SAT Circular 82. SAT Bulletin 45 clarifies matters including resident status determination, post-determination administration and competent tax authorities. See ‘‘Item 4.B. Information on the Company—Business Overview—Regulation—Regulations on Tax—PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law and Individual Income Tax Law.’’ Although both SAT Circular 82 and SAT Bulletin 45 only apply to offshore enterprises controlled by PRC enterprises or PRC enterprise groups, not those controlled by PRC individuals or foreigners, the determining criteria set forth in SAT Circular 82 and SAT Bulletin 45 may reflect SAT’s general position on how the ‘‘de facto management body’’ test should be applied in determining the tax resident status of all offshore enterprises, regardless of whether they are controlled by PRC enterprises or individuals. In addition to the uncertainty regarding how the new resident enterprise classification may apply, it is also possible that the rules may change in the future, possibly with retroactive effect. Although we do not believe that our legal entities organized outside of the PRC constitute PRC resident enterprises, it is possible that the PRC tax authorities could reach a different conclusion. In such case, we may be considered a PRC resident enterprise and may therefore be subject to EIT at 25% on our global income as well as PRC EIT reporting obligations. If we are considered a PRC resident enterprise and earn income other than dividends from our PRC subsidiaries, a 25% EIT on our global income could significantly increase our tax burden and materially and adversely affect our cash flow and profitability. Dividends and/or interest payable to our foreign investors and gains on the sale of our ADSs or ordinary shares or notes by our foreign investors may become subject to taxes under PRC tax laws. Under the EIT Law, as amended, and its implementation regulations issued by the State Council, a 10% PRC withholding tax is applicable to dividends and/or interest payable to investors that are non-PRC resident enterprises, which do not have an establishment or place of business in China or which have such establishment or place of business but the dividends and/or interest are not effectively connected with such establishment or place of business, to the extent such dividends and/or interest are derived from sources within China. Similarly, any gain realized on the transfer of ADSs or ordinary shares or notes by such investors is also subject to PRC tax at a rate of 10%, subject to any reduction or exemption set forth in relevant tax treaties, if such gain is regarded as PRC-sourced income. If we are deemed a PRC resident enterprise, dividends and/or interest paid on our ordinary shares or ADSs or notes, and any gain realized from the transfer of our ordinary shares or ADSs or notes, would be treated as PRC-sourced income and would as a result be subject to PRC taxation. See ‘‘Item 4.B. Information on the Company—Business Overview—Regulation—Regulations on Tax—PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law and Individual Income Tax Law.’’ Furthermore, if we are deemed a PRC resident enterprise, dividends and/or interest payable to investors that are non-PRC individual investors and any gain realized on the transfer of ADSs or ordinary shares or notes by investors may be subject to PRC tax at a rate of 20%, subject to any reduction or exemption set forth in applicable tax treaties. It is unclear whether, if we are considered a PRC resident enterprise, holders of our ADSs or ordinary shares or notes would be able to claim the benefit of income tax treaties or agreements entered into between China and other countries or areas (although we do not expect to withhold at treaty rates if any withholding is required). If dividends and/or interest payable to our non-PRC investors, or gains from the transfer of our ordinary shares or ADSs or notes by such investors are subject to PRC tax, the value of your investment in our ordinary shares or ADSs or notes may be adversely affected. The enforcement of the Labor Contract Law and other labor-related regulations in China may adversely affect our business and our results of operations. On June 29, 2007, the Standing Committee of NPC enacted the Labor Contract Law, which became effective on January 1, 2008 and was amended on December 28, 2012. The Labor Contract Law introduces specific provisions related to fixed-term employment contracts, part-time employment, probation, consultation with labor union and employee assemblies, employment without a written 37 contract, dismissal of employees, severance, and collective bargaining, which together represent enhanced enforcement of labor laws and regulations. According to the Labor Contract Law, an employer is obliged to sign a non-fixed-term labor contract with any employee who has worked for the employer for ten consecutive years. Further, if an employee requests or agrees to renew a fixed-term labor contract that has already been entered into twice consecutively, the resulting contract must have a non-fixed term, with certain exceptions. The employer must pay severance to an employee where a labor contract is terminated or expires, with certain exceptions. In addition, the government has continued to introduce various new labor-related regulations after the effectiveness of the Labor Contract Law. Among other things, it is required that that annual leave ranging from five to 15 days be made available to employees and that the employee be compensated for any untaken annual leave days in the amount of three times of the employee’s daily salary, subject to certain exceptions. As a result of these new regulations designed to enhance labor protection and increasing labor costs in China, our labor costs are expected to increase. In addition, as the interpretation and implementation of these new regulations are still evolving, we cannot assure you that our employment practice will at all times be deemed in compliance with the new regulations. If we are subject to severe penalties or incur significant liabilities in connection with labor disputes or investigations, our business and results of operations may be adversely affected. Our failure to make adequate contributions to various employee benefit plans as required by PRC regulations may subject us to penalties. Companies operating in China are required to participate in various government sponsored employee benefit plans, including certain social insurance, housing funds and other welfare-oriented payment obligations. We have not made adequate employee benefit payments as required under applicable PRC labor laws, but we have recorded accruals for the underpaid amounts in our consolidated financial statements. Our failure in making contributions to various employee benefit plans and in complying with applicable PRC labor-related laws may subject us to late payment penalties. If we are subject to such penalties in relation to the underpaid employee benefits, our financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected. An occurrence of a widespread health epidemic or other outbreaks could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Our business could be adversely affected by the effects of Influenza A virus subtype H1N1, or the H1N1 virus, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, or SARS, avian influenza or other epidemics or outbreaks on the economic and business climate. A prolonged outbreak of any of these illnesses or other adverse public health developments in China or elsewhere in the world could have a material adverse effect on our business operations. Such outbreaks could significantly impact the online retail industry and cause a temporary closure of the facilities we use for our operations. Such impact or closures would severely disrupt our operations and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Our operations could be disrupted if any of our employees or employees of our partners were suspected of having the H1N1 virus, SARS or avian influenza, since this could require us or our partners to quarantine some or all of such employees or disinfect the facilities used for our operations and may deter our customers or potential customers from purchasing or accepting our products. In addition, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected to the extent that an outbreak harms the global or Chinese economy in general, such as wars, acts of terrorism, snowstorms, earthquakes, fire, floods, environmental accidents, power shortage or communication interruptions. 38 Risks Related to Our Ordinary Shares and ADSs The market price for our ADSs has fluctuated and may be volatile. Since we first listed our ADSs on the New York Stock Exchange, or NYSE, on March 23, 2012, the trading prices of our ADSs have been and may continue to be subject to wide fluctuations. In 2017, the trading prices of our ADSs on NYSE have ranged from US$7.79 to US$15.49 per ADS, and the last reported trading price on April 18, 2018 was US$15.95 per ADS. The market price for our ADSs is likely to be highly volatile and subject to wide fluctuations in response to factors including the following: (cid:127) actual or anticipated fluctuations in our quarterly results of operations and changes of our expected results; (cid:127) announcements by us or our competitors of new services, acquisitions, strategic relationships, joint ventures or capital investments; (cid:127) additions to or departures of our senior management personnel; (cid:127) detrimental negative publicity about us, our competitors or our industry; (cid:127) changes in financial estimates by securities research analysts; (cid:127) regulatory developments affecting us, our brand partners or our industry; (cid:127) changes in the economic performance or market valuations of other Internet, e-commerce or online retail companies in China; (cid:127) changes in major business terms between our brand suppliers and us; (cid:127) fluctuations of exchange rates between the Renminbi and the U.S. dollar; (cid:127) release or expiry of lock-up or other transfer restrictions on our outstanding shares or ADSs; and (cid:127) sales or perceived potential sales of additional equity securities or ADSs. The trading price of the senior convertible notes we offered in 2014 is expected to be significantly affected by the market price of our ADSs, as well as the general level of interest rates and our credit quality. This may result in significantly greater volatility in the trading price of the senior convertible notes we offered in 2014 than would be expected for nonconvertible debt securities we may issue. In addition, the securities market has from time to time experienced significant price and volume fluctuations that are not related to the operating performance of any particular company. The securities of some China-based U.S.-listed companies have experienced significant volatility since their initial public offerings, including, in some cases, substantial price declines in the trading prices of their securities. The trading performances of the securities of these companies after their offerings may affect the attitudes of investors toward China-based U.S.-listed companies, which consequently may impact the trading performance of our ADSs, regardless of our actual operating performance. Furthermore, some negative news and perceptions about inadequate corporate governance practices or fraudulent accounting, corporate structure including the use of variable interest entities or other matters of other China-based U.S.-listed companies have negatively affected the attitudes of investors towards China-based U.S.-listed companies, including us, in general in the past, regardless of whether we have engaged in any inappropriate activities, and any news or perceptions with a similar nature may continue to negatively affect us in the future. These market fluctuations may also materially and adversely affect the market price of our ADSs. 39 Because we do not expect to pay dividends in the foreseeable future, you must rely on price appreciation of our ADSs for return on your investment. We currently intend to retain most, if not all, of our available funds and any future earnings to fund the development and growth of our business. As a result, we do not expect to pay any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. Therefore, you should not rely on an investment in our ADSs as a source for any future dividend income. Our board of directors has complete discretion as to whether to distribute dividends. Even if our board of directors decides to declare and pay dividends, the timing, amount and form of future dividends, if any, will depend on, among other things, our future results of operations and cash flow, our capital requirements and surplus, the amount of distributions, if any, received by us from our subsidiaries, our financial condition, contractual restrictions and other factors deemed relevant by our board of directors. Accordingly, the return on your investment in our ADSs will likely depend entirely upon any future price appreciation of our ADSs. There is no assurance that our ADSs will appreciate in value or even maintain the price at which you purchased the ADSs. You may not realize a return on your investment in our ADSs and you may even lose your entire investment in our ADSs. Substantial future sales or perceived potential sales of our ADSs, ordinary shares or other equity securities in the public market could cause the price of our ADSs to decline and therefore adversely impact the value of the senior convertible notes we offered. Sales of our ADSs, ordinary shares or other equity securities in the public market, or the perception that these sales could occur, could cause the market price of our ADSs to decline and therefore adversely impact the value of the senior convertible notes we offered in the 2014 offering. As of the date of this annual report, we had 131,849,099 Class A and Class B ordinary shares outstanding, including 91,332,833 Class A ordinary shares represented by ADSs. All ADSs representing our Class A ordinary shares are freely transferable by persons other than our ‘‘affiliates’’ without restriction or additional registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act. Certain holders of our Class A ordinary shares have the right to cause us to register under the Securities Act the sale of their shares. Registration of these shares under the Securities Act would result in ADSs representing these shares becoming freely tradable without restriction under the Securities Act immediately upon the effectiveness of the registration. Sales of these registered shares in the form of ADSs in the public market could cause the price of our ADSs to decline. The fundamental change repurchase feature of the senior convertible notes we offered in the 2014 offering may delay or prevent an otherwise beneficial attempt to take over our company. The terms of the senior convertible notes we offered in the 2014 offering require us to repurchase the notes in the event of certain fundamental changes. A takeover of our company could trigger an option of the note holders to require us to repurchase the notes. This may have the effect of delaying or preventing takeover of our company that would otherwise be beneficial to our investors. You may not have the same voting rights as the holders of our ordinary shares and may not receive voting materials in time to be able to exercise your right to vote. Except as described in this annual report and in the deposit agreement, holders of our ADSs will not be able to exercise voting rights attached to ordinary shares represented by our ADSs on an individual basis. Holders of our ADSs will appoint the depositary or its nominee as their representative to exercise the voting rights attached to ordinary shares represented by the ADSs. Upon receipt of your voting instructions, the depositary will vote the underlying ordinary shares in accordance with these instructions. See ‘‘Item 10.B. Additional Information—Memorandum and Articles of Association— Ordinary Shares—Voting Rights.’’ 40 We cannot assure you that you will receive the voting materials in time to instruct the depositary to vote the ordinary shares underlying your ADSs, and it is possible that you, or persons who hold their ADSs through brokers, dealers or other third parties, will as a result not have the opportunity to exercise a right to vote. In addition, the depositary and its agents are not responsible for failing to carry out voting instructions or for the manner of carrying out voting instructions. Although you may directly exercise your right to vote by withdrawing the ordinary shares underlying your ADSs, you may not be able to do so, on a timely basis or at all, to allow you to vote with respect to any specific matter. Your right to participate in any future rights offerings may be limited, which may cause dilution to your holdings, and you may not receive cash dividends if it is impractical to make them available to you. We may from time to time distribute rights to our shareholders, including rights to acquire our securities. However, we cannot make rights available to you in the United States unless we register both the rights and the securities to which the rights relate under the Securities Act or an exemption from the registration requirements is available. Under the deposit agreement, the depositary will not make rights available to you unless both the rights and the underlying securities to be distributed to ADS holders are either registered under the Securities Act or exempt from registration under the Securities Act. We are under no obligation to file a registration statement with respect to any such rights or securities or to endeavor to cause a registration statement, if filed, to be declared effective. There might not be an exemption from registration under the Securities Act available to us for our rights offering. Accordingly, you may be unable to participate in our rights offerings and may experience dilution in your holdings. The depositary of our ADSs has agreed to pay to you the cash dividends or other distributions it or the custodian receives on our ordinary shares or other deposited securities after deducting its fees and expenses. You will receive these distributions in proportion to the number of ordinary shares your ADSs represent. However, the depositary may, at its discretion, decide that it is inequitable or impractical to make a distribution available to any holders of ADSs. For example, the depositary may determine that it is not practicable to distribute certain property through the mail, or that the value of certain distributions may be less than the cost of mailing them. In these cases, the depositary may decide not to distribute such property to you. You may be subject to limitations on transfer of your ADSs. Your ADSs are transferable on the books of the depositary. However, the depositary may close its transfer books at any time or from time to time when it deems expedient in connection with the performance of its duties. In addition, the depositary may refuse to deliver, transfer or register transfers of ADSs generally when our books or the books of the depositary are closed, or at any time if we or the depositary deems it advisable to do so because of any requirement of law or of any government or government body, or under any provision of the deposit agreement, or for any other reason. You may face difficulties in protecting your interests, and your ability to protect your rights through the U.S. federal courts may be limited because we are incorporated under Cayman Islands law, we conduct substantially all of our operations in China and substantially all of our directors and officers reside outside the United States. We are incorporated in the Cayman Islands and conduct substantially all of our operations in China through our PRC subsidiaries and consolidated affiliated entities. Substantially all of our directors and officers reside outside the United States and a substantial portion of their assets are located outside of the United States. As a result, it may be difficult or impossible for you to bring an action against us or against these individuals in the Cayman Islands or in China in the event that you believe that your rights have been infringed under securities laws or otherwise. Even if you are successful in bringing an action of this kind, the laws of the Cayman Islands and China may render you 41 unable to enforce a judgment against our assets or the assets of our directors and officers. There is no statutory recognition in the Cayman Islands of judgments obtained in the United States, although the courts of the Cayman Islands will generally recognize and enforce a non-penal judgment of a foreign court of competent jurisdiction without retrial on the merits. Our corporate affairs are governed by our memorandum and articles of association, as amended and restated from time to time, and by the Companies Law (2016 Revision), or the Companies Law, and common law of the Cayman Islands. The rights of shareholders to take legal action against us and our directors, actions by minority shareholders and the fiduciary responsibilities of our directors are to a large extent governed by the common law of the Cayman Islands. The common law of the Cayman Islands is derived in part from comparatively limited judicial precedent in the Cayman Islands as well as from English common law, which provides persuasive, but not binding, authority in a court in the Cayman Islands. The rights of our shareholders and the fiduciary responsibilities of our directors under Cayman Islands law are not as clearly established as they would be under statutes or judicial precedents in the United States. In particular, the Cayman Islands has a less developed body of securities laws than the United States and provides significantly less protection to investors. In addition, shareholders in Cayman Islands companies may not have standing to initiate a shareholder derivative action in U.S. federal courts. As a result, our public shareholders may have more difficulty in protecting their interests through actions against us, our management, our directors or our major shareholders than would shareholders of a corporation incorporated in a jurisdiction in the United States. Our memorandum and articles of association contain anti-takeover provisions that could adversely affect the rights of holders of our ordinary shares and ADSs. Our currently effective amended and restated memorandum and articles of association contain certain provisions that could limit the ability of third parties to acquire control of our company, including a provision that grants authority to our board directors to establish from time to time one or more series of preferred shares without action by our shareholders and to determine, with respect to any series of preferred shares, the terms and rights of that series. The provisions could have the effect of depriving our shareholders of the opportunity to sell their shares at a premium over the prevailing market price by discouraging third parties from seeking to obtain control of our company in a tender offer or similar transactions. Our dual-class voting structure will limit your ability to influence corporate matters and could discourage others from pursuing any change of control transactions that holders of our Class A ordinary shares and ADSs may view as beneficial. Our co-founder, chairman and chief executive officer, Mr. Eric Ya Shen, has considerable influence over important corporate matters. Our ordinary shares are divided into Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares. Each Class A ordinary share is entitled to one vote and each Class B ordinary share is entitled to ten votes on all matters that are subject to shareholder vote. Each Class B ordinary share is convertible into one Class A ordinary share at any time by the holder thereof, while Class A ordinary shares are not convertible into Class B ordinary shares under any circumstances. Due to the disparate voting powers associated with our two classes of ordinary shares, as of March 31, 2018, Mr. Eric Ya Shen beneficially owned approximately 58.9% of the aggregate voting power of our company. As a result, Mr. Eric Ya Shen has considerable influence over matters such as electing directors and approving material mergers, acquisitions or other business combination transactions, and he may take actions that are not in the best interest of us or our other shareholders. This concentrated control will limit your ability to influence corporate matters and could also discourage others from pursuing any potential merger, takeover or other change of control transactions, which could have the 42 effect of depriving the holders of our Class A ordinary shares and our ADSs of the opportunity to sell their shares at a premium over the prevailing market price. We may be classified as a passive foreign investment company for United States federal income tax purposes, which could subject United States investors in the ADSs or Class A ordinary shares to significant adverse United States income tax consequences. Depending upon the market price of our ADSs and the nature of our assets and income over time, we could be classified as a ‘‘passive foreign investment company,’’ or PFIC, for United States federal income tax purposes. Although the law in this regard is unclear, we treat our consolidated affiliated entities (and their subsidiaries) as being owned by us for United States federal income tax purposes, not only because we control their management decisions but also because we are entitled to substantially all of the economic benefits associated with these entities, and, as a result, we combine these entities’ operating results in our consolidated financial statements. If it were determined, however, that we are not the owner of any of our consolidated affiliated entities (or their subsidiaries) for United States federal income tax purposes, we would likely be treated as a PFIC for the current taxable year or any future taxable year. Assuming that we are the owner of our consolidated affiliated entities (and their subsidiaries) for United States federal income tax purposes, and based upon our income and assets and the market price of our ADSs, we do not believe that we were a PFIC for the taxable year ended December 31, 2017 and do not anticipate becoming a PFIC in the foreseeable future. While we do not expect to become a PFIC, if, among other matters, our market capitalization declines, we may be a PFIC for the current or future taxable years. The determination of whether we are or will be a PFIC will also depend, in part, on the composition of our income and assets, which will be affected by how, and how quickly, we use our liquid assets. Because there are uncertainties in the application of the relevant rules and PFIC status is a factual determination made annually after the close of each taxable year, including ascertaining the fair market value of our assets on a quarterly basis and the character of each item of income we earn, we can provide no assurance that we will not be a PFIC for the current taxable year or any future taxable year. If we were to be classified as a PFIC in any taxable year, a U.S. Holder (as defined in ‘‘Item 10.E. Additional Information—Taxation—United States Federal Income Tax Considerations’’) would be subject to special rules generally intended to reduce or eliminate any benefits from the deferral of United States federal income tax that a U.S. Holder could derive from investing in a non-United States corporation that does not distribute all of its earnings on a current basis. Further, if we are classified as a PFIC for any year during which a U.S. Holder holds our ADSs or Class A ordinary shares, we generally will continue to be treated as a PFIC for all succeeding years during which such U.S. Holder holds our ADSs or Class A ordinary shares. For more information see ‘‘Item 10.E. Additional Information—Taxation—United States Federal Income Tax Considerations— Passive Investment Company Considerations.’’ As a company incorporated in the Cayman Islands, we may adopt certain home country practices in relation to corporate governance matters. These practices may afford less protection to shareholders than they would enjoy if we complied fully with the NYSE corporate governance listing standards. As a non-U.S. company with ADSs listed on NYSE, we are subject to the NYSE corporate governance listing standards. However, in reliance on Section 303A.11 of the NYSE Listed Company Manual, which permits a foreign private issuer to follow the corporate governance practices of its home country, we may adopt certain corporate governance practices that may differ significantly from the NYSE corporate governance listing standards. We have followed and intend to continue to follow the applicable corporate governance standards under the NYSE listing standards and we are not aware of any significant differences between our corporate governance practices and those followed by domestic 43 companies under the NYSE listing standards. However, we may adopt certain practices that are in compliance with the laws of the Cayman Islands, which may differ from more stringent requirements imposed by the NYSE rules and as such, our shareholders may be afforded less protection under Cayman Islands law than they would under the NYSE rules applicable to U.S. domestic issuers. We incurred increased costs as a result of being a public company, and we cannot predict or estimate the amount of additional future costs we may incur or the timing of such costs. As a public company, we have incurred significant accounting, legal and other expenses that we did not incur when we were a private company, including additional costs associated with our public company reporting obligations. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act, as well as rules subsequently implemented by SEC and NYSE, requires significantly heightened corporate governance practices for public companies, including Section 404 relating to internal control over financial reporting. We ceased to be an ‘‘emerging growth company’’ pursuant to the JOBS Act in 2014, since which we have incurred significant expenses and devote substantial management effort toward ensuring compliance with the requirements of Section 404 and the other rules and regulations of SEC. In the past, shareholders of a public company often brought securities class action suits against the company following periods of instability in the market price of that company’s securities. If we were involved in a class action suit, it could divert a significant amount of our management’s attention and other resources from our business and operations, which could harm our results of operations and require us to incur significant expenses to defend the suit. Any such class action suit, whether or not successful, could harm our reputation and restrict our ability to raise capital in the future. In addition, any adverse outcome of such cases, including any plaintiff’s appeal of a judgment in these lawsuits, could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operation, cash flows and reputation. Furthermore, there can be no assurance that our insurance carriers will cover all or part of the defense costs, or any liabilities that may arise from these matters. We also may be subject to claims for indemnification related to these matters, and we cannot predict the impact that indemnification claims may have on our business, financial condition or results of operations. We were named as a defendant in two putative shareholder class action lawsuits filed in May and June 2015 respectively, which lawsuits were consolidated into one action and subsequently voluntarily dismissed without prejudice by the lead plaintiff on November 24, 2015. These putative shareholder class action lawsuits are described in ‘‘Item 8.A. Financial Information—Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information—Legal Proceedings—Litigation.’’ ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY A. History and Development of the Company Our Company We are a holding company incorporated in the Cayman Islands and conduct our business through our subsidiaries and consolidated affiliated entities in China. We started our operations in August 2008 when our founders established Vipshop Information in China. In order to facilitate foreign investment in our company, our founders incorporated Vipshop Holdings Limited, an offshore holding company in Cayman Islands, in August 2010. In October 2010, Vipshop Holdings Limited established Vipshop International Holdings Limited, or Vipshop HK, a wholly-owned subsidiary, in Hong Kong. Subsequently, Vipshop HK established a wholly-owned PRC subsidiary, Vipshop China, in January 2011. 44 To support our regional business expansion, Vipshop China established a number of wholly-owned PRC subsidiaries that focus on warehousing and logistics as well as product procurement over the years since 2011. As of December 31, 2017, we mainly rely on the following six principal subsidiaries of Vipshop China to build up our regional logistics network: (cid:127) Vipshop (Kunshan) E-Commerce Co., Ltd. (cid:127) Vipshop (Jianyang) E-Commerce Co., Ltd. (cid:127) Vipshop (Zhaoqing) E-Commerce Co., Ltd. (cid:127) Vipshop (Tianjin) E-Commerce Co., Ltd. (cid:127) Vipshop (Hubei) E-Commerce Co., Ltd. (cid:127) Chongqing Vipshop E-Commerce Co., Ltd. Along with the growth of our mobile active customers and mobile service offerings, Vipshop China formed Guangzhou Pinwei Software Co., Ltd., or Pinwei Software, in 2012 as a research and development center to focus on our mobile product and solutions. On February 14, 2014, we acquired a 75% equity interest in Lefeng from its parent company Ovation. Before this acquisition, Lefeng had been a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ovation. To facilitate the acquisition, Ovation has restructured its online platform business conducted through lefeng.com, an online retail website specialized in selling cosmetics and fashion products in China, by transferring certain assets and liabilities, including domain names (which were subsequently transferred through Vipshop Information to Lefeng Information), trademarks, copyrights and employees that form part of the online platform business, to Lefeng. The total consideration paid by our company for the acquisition was approximately US$132.5 million including cash payment and financing in connection with assumed liabilities. On February 21, 2014, we acquired a 23% equity interest, on a fully diluted basis, in Ovation for a total consideration of approximately US$55.8 million pursuant to a share purchase and subscription agreement with Ovation and certain of its existing shareholders. Through this strategic investment, we have gained access to a consistent supply of Ovation branded cosmetic products as well as Ovation’s expertise in branding, marketing and research and development of proprietary products, which would help promote our brand and support our efforts to expand our user base. In addition, as a result of our acquisition of the equity interest in Ovation, as of the date of this annual report, we owned, directly or indirectly, on a fully diluted and look-through basis, a total of 80.5% equity interest in Lefeng. In February 2015, we acquired 42.61% of equity interest in Feiyuan, a logistics company primarily servicing southeast China, for a consideration of RMB95.4 million. In January 2016 and May 2016, we further acquired 26.18% and 28.19% of equity interest in Feiyuan for RMB65.5 million and RMB110.0 million, respectively. The acquisition was made to boost our warehousing, transportation and distribution capabilities in southeast China. In September 2016, we acquired 100% of equity interest in Zhejiang Ebatong Technology Co., Ltd., which is a third-party payment service provider, for a total consideration of RMB428.3 million. Zhejiang Ebatong Technology Co., Ltd. changed its name to Zhejiang Vipshop Payment Co., Ltd. following the completion of acquisition, and would develop our Internet payment channel. Foreign ownership of Internet-based businesses is subject to significant restrictions under current PRC laws and regulations. The PRC government regulates Internet access, the distribution of online information and the conduct of online commerce through strict business licensing requirements and other government regulations. We, as a Cayman Islands company, and our PRC subsidiary, Vipshop China, as a WFOE, are both restricted from holding the licenses that are necessary for our online 45 operation in China. To comply with these restrictions, our Vipshop Online Platform is operated by our consolidated affiliated entities in China. As part of our efforts to streamline our contractual arrangements among our consolidated affiliated entities during 2017 and 2018, Vipshop E-Commerce currently holds the primary licenses necessary to conduct our Internet-related operations of Vipshop Online Platform in China. See ‘‘Item 4.C. Information on the Company—Organizational Structure’’ for a diagram illustrating our corporate structure as of the date of this annual report. On March 23, 2012, our ADSs began trading on NYSE under the ticker symbol ‘‘VIPS.’’ We issued and sold a total of 11,176,470 ADSs, representing 22,352,940 ordinary shares, at an initial offering price of US$6.50 per ADS. On March 13, 2013, we completed a follow-on public offering of 7,200,000 ADSs by our company and certain of our selling shareholders, or the 2013 offering, at a public offering price of US$24.00 per ADS. Concurrently, the underwriters exercised in full the option to purchase an aggregate of 1,080,000 additional ADSs from certain selling shareholders at the public offering price of the 2013 offering. On March 17, 2014, we completed a public offering of 1,140,000 ADSs by certain of our selling shareholders, representing 2,280,000 ordinary shares, at a public offering price of US$143.74 per ADS, and US$550,000,000 aggregate principal amount of our 1.50% convertible senior notes due 2019, or the 2014 offering. Concurrently, the underwriters exercised in full the option to purchase an aggregate of 171,000 additional ADSs from certain selling shareholders at the public offering price of the 2014 offering and an additional US$82,500,000 aggregate principal amount of our 1.50% convertible senior notes due 2019. On December 29, 2017, we issued 3,955,473 Class A ordinary shares for approximately US$258.7 million to a JD.com subsidiary and 9,229,437 Class A ordinary shares for approximately US$603.6 million to a Tencent subsidiary, respectively. On September 15, 2014, our shareholders voted in favor of a proposal to adopt a dual-class share structure, pursuant to which our authorized share capital was reclassified and re-designated into Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares, with each Class A ordinary share being entitled to one vote and each Class B ordinary share being entitled to ten votes on all matters that are subject to shareholder vote. Effective November 3, 2014, we changed our ADS to Class A ordinary share ratio from one ADS representing two Class A ordinary shares to five ADSs representing one Class A ordinary share. Our principal executive offices are located at No. 20 Huahai Street, Liwan District, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510370, People’s Republic of China. Our telephone number at this address is +86 (20) 2233-0000. Our registered office in the Cayman Islands is located at the office of International Corporation Services Ltd., P.O. Box 472, 2nd Floor, Harbour Place, 103 South Church Street, George Town, Grand Cayman KY1-1106, Cayman Islands. Our agent for service of process in the United States is Law Debenture Corporate Services Inc. located at 400 Madison Avenue, 4th Floor, New York, New York 10017. Our website is www.vip.com. B. Business Overview Overview We are a leading online discount retailer for brands in China. We offer high-quality branded products to consumers in China through flash sales mainly on our Vipshop Online Platform. Flash sales represent an online retail format combining the advantages of e-commerce and discount sales through selling a finite quantity of discounted products or services online for a limited period of time. Since our inception in August 2008, we have attracted a large and growing number of consumers and popular 46 brands. We had 310.7 million registered members and over 110 million cumulative customers, and promoted and sold products for over 23,000 popular domestic and international brands as of December 31, 2017. Our business model provides a unique online shopping experience for our customers. We offer new sales events daily with a curated selection of popular branded products at deeply discounted prices in limited quantities during limited time periods, creating the element of ‘‘thrill and excitement’’ associated with our unique customer shopping experience. Our strong merchandizing expertise enables us to select the brand composition and product mix of our daily sales events that appeal to our customers, who mostly consist of urban and educated individuals in China who are seeking lifestyle enhancements. We have built a highly engaged and loyal customer base that contributes to our sales growth, while also enabling us to attract new customers primarily through word-of-mouth referrals. A majority of our customers have purchased products from us more than once. Our total number of repeat customers was 24.4 million, 34.9 million, and 41.2 million in 2015, 2016, and 2017, respectively, representing 66.6%, 67.1%, and 71.3%, respectively, of the total number of our active customers during the same periods. Orders placed by our repeat customers accounted for 93.9%, 93.6%, and 95.1%, respectively, of our total orders during the same periods. We are a preferred online flash sales channel in China for popular domestic and international brands. We believe that well-known and popular brands are attracted to our platform and services because of our ability to monetize large volumes of their inventory in short periods of time, increase consumer awareness of their brands and products, reach potential customers throughout China, and fulfill their demand for customer data analysis and inventory management. Among the brands that have promoted and sold products on our platform, substantially all of them have returned to pursue additional sales opportunities with us. As of December 31, 2017, we have the exclusive rights to sell selected products from a cumulative of over 2,287 popular brands. We strive to optimize every aspect of our operations as we continue to grow our business. We generally have the right to return unsold items for most of our products to our brand partners. Our logistics operations and inventory management systems are specifically designed to support the frequent sales events on our Vipshop Online Platform and handle a large volume of inventory turnover. We primarily use our invested and in-house last mile delivery capabilities and supplement with quality third-party delivery services to ensure reliable and timely delivery. In connection with our expansion into the Internet finance businesses, we offer consumer financing, supplier financing, and wealth management services to facilitate and refine shopping experience of our customers and strengthen cooperative relationship with our suppliers. We have developed our IT infrastructure to support the surge of visitor traffic to our platform during the peak hours of our daily flash sales. We believe that our efficient operational and management systems combined with our robust IT infrastructure set a solid foundation for our continuing growth. In December 2017, we entered into strategic cooperation framework agreement and business cooperation framework agreement with a Tencent subsidiary and JD.com, respectively, to establish a cooperative relationship. Under these agreements, Tencent granted us an access interface on Weixin Wallet, and JD.com granted us access interfaces on JD.com’s mobile application and JD.com’s Weixin Discovery shopping application, to utilize the traffic from such platforms. In March, 2018, we agreed to invest up to US$250 million into a private equity fund with consumer goods and supply chain as one of its key investment areas. The closing of this investment will be subject to regulatory approval and customary conditions. We began our operations in August 2008 and have grown significantly since then. In 2015, 2016, and 2017, we fulfilled approximately 193.1 million, 269.8 million, and 335.0 million customer orders, respectively, and we generated total net revenues of RMB40.20 billion, RMB56.59 billion, and RMB72.91 billion (US$11.21 billion), respectively. In 2015, 2016, and 2017, we generated net income of 47 RMB1.51 billion, RMB1.99 billion, and RMB1.89 billion (US$290.9 million), respectively. Our net income in 2015, 2016, and 2017 reflected non-cash share-based compensation expenses in an aggregate amount of RMB302.9 million, RMB475.7 million, and RMB667.1 million (US$102.5 million), respectively. PRC laws and regulations currently limit foreign ownership of companies that provide Internet- based services, including our online retail businesses and Internet finance businesses. To comply with these restrictions, we conduct our online operations principally through our consolidated affiliated entity, Vipshop Information. We face risks associated with our corporate structure, as our control over Vipshop Information is based upon contractual arrangements rather than equity ownership. See ‘‘Item 4.C. Information on the Company—Organizational Structure’’ and ‘‘Item 3.D. Key Information— Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Corporate Structure and Restrictions on Our Industry.’’ Our Flash Sales Model Flash sales embody characteristics of value, quality and convenience that are well suited to brand- conscious consumers in China seeking quality goods at substantial discounts. Through our flash sales model, we sell limited quantities of deeply discounted branded products online for limited periods of time. We optimize the brand composition and product mix of our daily sales events based on our strong merchandizing expertise. As of December 31, 2017, we have offered diversified product offerings from over 23,000 popular domestic and international brands, including apparel for women, men and children, handbags and shoes, cosmetics, maternal and baby products, consumer electronic products, home goods, and other lifestyle products. We carefully select well-known and popular mid-level to premium brands and products that appeal to a broad base of consumers with different purchasing powers throughout China. To foster customer confidence of purchasing quality products from our Vipshop Online Platform, we provide limited product quality insurance for our products. We offer new daily sales events twice a day starting at 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. Beijing time, respectively, and our Vipshop Online Platform experiences a surge of visitor traffic in the ensuing two hours as consumers are eager to purchase popular deals of the day before they are sold out. To provide our customers with a greater opportunity to purchase featured discounted products, each customer is only allowed to purchase limited pieces of the same item, depending on the categories, and each shopping cart can only hold up to 15 items at one time. Unpaid items in the shopping cart will be automatically returned to the available products pool in 20 minutes. Consequently, customers must make quick purchase decisions within a limited period of time, adding to the thrill of the experience. Our Vipshop Online Platform Through our user-friendly Vipshop Online Platform, we offer a curated selection of products and services for shoppers of varying age groups and income levels throughout China, so that they may shop branded products online with ease and pleasure. Our Vipshop Online Platform is represented by the Vipshop App and the vip.com website. As of the date of this annual report, our Vipshop App has surpassed our vip.com website and become our top portal of the Vipshop Online Platform in terms of the numbers of registered members, daily unique visitors and monthly unique visitors. In 2011, we launched Vipshop App for mainstream mobile operating systems including iOS and Android to increase our customer stickiness and to further enhance customer engagement through mobile devices. Since then we have been regularly upgrading Vipshop App, adding new features and engaging celebrities from time to time to promote our brands and Vipshop App. With the support of our big data and business intelligence system and our cloud computing infrastructure, we have been gradually developing features of our Vipshop App so as to provide our users with personalized recommendations, smarter and more timely replenishment of out-of-stock goods and efficient interface to enhance their shopping experience. As of December 31, 48 2017, revenues generated by our Vipshop App users accounted for over 90% of our total revenues. We believe that consumers’ increasing reliance on mobile Internet through smartphones and other mobile devices presents opportunities for us to further enhance customer experience and increase customer stickiness. Our Vipshop Online Platform offers many user-friendly features that enhance customer experience and convenience: (cid:127) Browsing. All visitors to our platform can browse and view our sales events, but a customer must register as a member for free in order to participate in the sales events. Our platform features a variety of different brands and products for each daily sales. For each featured brand, consumers can view a short flash animation to receive background information on a particular brand. In addition, we provide customers with curated descriptions and proprietary photographs of each product shown from multiple angles. Our platform also provides advance previews of upcoming sales of highly sought-after products. We sort our product offerings into different categories, such as ‘‘women,’’ ‘‘men,’’ ‘‘children,’’ ‘‘outdoors,’’ ‘‘lifestyle,’’ and ‘‘accessories’’ so that our customers can easily find the products they are interested in. (cid:127) Daily Sales Events. We launch new sales events twice a day at 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. Beijing time, respectively, and typically last for three or more days. Each sale item is available in limited quantities and remains on sale only while supplies last. We thoroughly plan in advance our daily sales events to offer a balanced and complementary mix of brands and products. (cid:127) Ordering. To order products on our platform, our customers simply click on a button to add an item to their virtual shopping cart. To execute orders, customers click on the ‘‘check-out’’ button and are prompted to supply shipping details and payment details in the case of first-time customers buying from our platform. Repeat customers can access their preferred checkout options after logging on to their Vipshop member accounts. Our members can track the status of their purchases and available credits online through their Vipshop member accounts. Customers can always access our customer service representatives online or by phone for assistance during service time while they are shopping online or after the order is placed. To diversify our offerings of products and brands that cater to individual preferences, we launched a variety of channels on our Vipshop Online Platform such as a channel designated for promotion of chic and trendy branded products called Vipshop Beauty, a channel designed to sell furniture, upholstery, bed and bath, kitchen, home and consumer electronics products called Vipshop Home, a channel designed to sell maternity, infant and children’s products called Vipshop Kids, a channel designated for men’s branded products called Vipshop Men, a channel designated for direct purchase of overseas branded products called Vipshop International, and a channel designated for consumer financing and insurance and wealth management services called Vipshop Finance. We believe that the introduction of these channels provides brands meaningful alternatives to monetize their inventory quickly and to increase consumer awareness throughout China. In addition to our Vipshop Online Platform, as of December 31, 2017, we had six store outlets in the Guangzhou area, one near our Jianyang warehouse and one in Tianjin. Sales through these stores have been immaterial to our business as a whole and for limited purposes of liquidating our clearance inventories. Although we plan to continue to focus on the online retail market in China, we may explore opportunities to utilize offline retail channels from time to time to supplement our strategy. In 2017, we generated RMB40.0 million (US$6.2 million) gross revenues (including VAT) from offline retail stores. 49 Our Brand Partners Since our inception in August 2008, we have attracted a broad and diverse group of brands enabling our Vipshop Online Platform to become the online shopping destination of choice for urban, fashion-oriented and value conscious consumers. Our brand partners include primarily brand owners, and to a lesser extent, brand distributors and resellers. As of December 31, 2015, 2016, and 2017, we worked with 8,505, 10,778, and 13,336 brand partners, respectively. None of the brands accounted for more than 4% of our total revenues in 2015, 2016, and 2017. To date, substantially all of our brand partners have sought to pursue new sales opportunities with us. We believe that our ability to assist brands in effectively selling their inventory and in fulfilling their demand for marketing, customer data analysis and inventory management will attract new brands and build stronger ties with our existing brand partners. Brand Selection and Procurement Brand Selection We have implemented a strict and methodical brand selection process. Our merchandizing team, which consisted of approximately 1,900 members as of December 31, 2017, is responsible for identifying potential qualified brands based on our selection guidelines. We carefully select prospective brand partners, choosing to work only with those that are well-known and offer high quality or premium products that are popular among consumers in China, and that are willing to provide competitive prices and favorable payment credit and product return terms. We generally select brands that have an established network of stores in major department stores or shopping malls in China. We seek input from our customers in the brand selection process. Through our homepage, consumers can send us suggestions regarding the brands they would like to be able to purchase from us. Once a potential brand is identified, we conduct due diligence reviews on its qualifications, including whether it holds the proper business operation licenses and safety, sanitary and quality certifications, and trademark registration certificates and license agreements in relation to the branded products. This review process helps to ensure that we maintain a portfolio of brands with high quality standards and good reputation that can meet our customers’ expectations. We generally enter into supply agreements with brands based on our standard form. We regularly communicate with our brand partners to discuss the dates and specific product offerings for particular sales events, striving to achieve favorable results for all constituents. Due to the short-term nature of each flash sales event, for some brands, we enter into separate agreements for each flash sales event on our Vipshop Online Platform. For other brands with whom we have established long-term relationships, we often enter into supply agreements with them on an annual basis. As we continue to focus on building long-term relationships with our brand partners, we plan to implement framework agreements with our brand partners with supplemental supply orders for each flash sales event. In each supply agreement, a brand partner grants us authorization to market and sell products of a particular brand on our Vipshop Online Platform and provides us with the official description and logo of the brand. In addition, we require our brand partners that contract with us to observe our anti-bribery and anti-corruption policy. Product Selection Our key management team members have extensive experience in the retail industry with insightful knowledge and understanding of consumers’ needs and preferences. Before each flash sales event, we consider and analyze historical data, fashion trends, seasonality and customer feedback to project how many items of a particular product we should offer for the event. To maximize daily sales, we carefully plan our product mix to achieve a balanced and complementary product offering across different categories. 50 We effectively gather, analyze and use customer behavior and transaction data through our customer relationship management and business intelligence systems. In addition to utilizing our customer data to strategize our upcoming flash sales event to enhance the timeliness and relevancy of our product offerings, we also provide some relevant portions of these data to our brand partners to help them optimize their product development and sales and marketing strategies and further promote additional sales opportunities with us. Inventory Management For brands where we have established long-term relationships, we typically do not pay any deposit on the products we purchase. For other brands, however, we generally pay a deposit ranging from 10% to 100% of the total price for each purchase order. We generally have the right to return unsold items within a period after the end of a sales event. We typically pay for the purchase order in installments with the last installment paid upon full settlement of the unsold items or returned products we receive from customers. We typically do not have the right to return the unsold products to the brand partners of certain types of products, such as certain sporting goods, cosmetic beauty products and cross-border products. For these products, we have been able to utilize our strong marketing expertise regarding customer preferences to achieve quick inventory turnover. We have implemented an inventory management system to manage the information related to our procurement plan, quality control upon receipt, stock maintenance, stock deliveries, sales invoicing and sales recording. We use an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system to monitor and actively track sales data. This system helps us make timely adjustments to our procurement plan and minimize excess inventory. Quality Control In addition to our brand selection process, we have adopted stringent quality assurance and control procedures for products delivered through our logistics network. We carefully inspect all products delivered to our logistics centers, rejecting or returning products that do not meet our quality standards or the purchase order specifications. We also inspect all products before shipment from our logistics centers to our customers. We believe that our strict brand selection process and quality control procedures enable us to ensure the high quality level of products sold on our Vipshop Online Platform and increase customer satisfaction. 51 Our Product and Service Offerings Product Categories We offer a broad spectrum of apparel, fashion goods, cosmetics, home goods and lifestyle products from popular domestic and international brands. The following table illustrates our current product categories: Product Category Product Description Womenswear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Women’s apparel, featuring a variety of apparel and styles for different age groups, including casual wear, jeans, dresses, outerwear, swimsuits, lingerie, pajamas and maternity clothes. Menswear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Men’s apparel, featuring a variety of apparel and styles for Footwear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . different age groups, including casual and smart-casual T-shirts, stylish polo shirts, jackets, pants and underwear. Shoes for women and men designed in a variety of styles, for both casual and formal occasions. Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fashion accessories in various styles and materials for women and men, including belts, fashionable jewelry, watches and glasses complementing our apparel offerings. Handbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Purses, satchels, duffel bags and wallets in many colors, styles and materials. Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Apparel, gear and accessories, furnishings and decor, toys and Sportswear and sporting goods . . . . . . . games for boys, girls, infants and toddlers of all age groups. Sports apparel, sports gear and footwear for tennis, badminton, soccer and swimming. Consumer electronic products . . . . . . . Consumer electronic products, covering a wide range of demands, including computers, mobile handsets, digital cameras and major home appliances. Cosmetics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . High quality, affordable skin care and cosmetic products, including cleansers, lotions, face and body creams, face masks, sunscreen, foundations, lipsticks, eye shadows and nail polish. Home goods and other lifestyle products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Home goods with an extensive selection of home furnishings, including bedding and bath product, home decor, dining and tabletop items, and small household appliances. Internationally-known premium designer apparel, footwear and accessories. Snacks, health supplements and occasion-based gifts, such as chocolates, moon-cakes and tea. Gifts and miscellaneous . . . . . . . . . . . Luxury goods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . We pay close attention to every aspect of our services to enhance our customers’ shopping experience. For each purchase, we arrange items neatly and thoughtfully within each delivery box. Unlike many in-store sales items which have been tried on numerous times, are on display for a lengthy period of time or may have minor defects, each item purchased from our Vipshop Online Platform is new, contains its original tag and packaging, and must pass our strict quality control inspection prior to shipping. Pricing We price products on our Vipshop Online Platform at significant discounts, typically ranging from 20% to 90% off the original retail price, which is one of the key elements in the ‘‘thrill and excitement’’ shopping experience that we create. Our attractive pricing is made possible by cost savings 52 achieved through volume discounts that we receive, in particular for off-season or slower-moving inventory, and the absence of physical retail space and related overhead costs. We typically negotiate with our brand partners for prices that are competitive with those offered to other discount sales channels. Other Services The significant scale of our business allows us to provide a variety of services to create value for our business partners and ultimately benefit our customers. Our Internet finance offerings include consumer financing, supplier financing and wealth management services. Our consumer financing business went live during the fourth quarter of 2015, providing our customers with credit solutions to facilitate their shopping with us. Our customers may take advantage in Chinese), our of the competitive installment payment options available under Weipin Spend ( installment plan. 14APR201822365426 Our developing supplier financing business targets our suppliers’ need of liquidity and facilitates our inventory procurement. Wei Yidai ( conveniently provides secured and unsecured financing to our suppliers. 14APR201822365560 in Chinese), our microcredit service, efficiently and Our wealth management services were introduced in December 2015. As of the date of this annual report, we offered third-party insurance products by providing sales channels to insurance companies on a commissioned basis. We also provided promotion and information services to some third-party investment fund managers and banks. Payment, Fulfillment and Return Payment We provide our customers with the flexibility to choose from a number of payment options. Our payment options include our Vipshop Payment service, cash on delivery, and payment through third- party online payment services, such as tenpay.com and alipay.com. In 2017, our fast-growing Vipshop Payment service was used to process a majority of our total orders, so that we continue to depend less on other payment options. Under the cash on delivery option, our in-house last mile delivery capabilities, supplemented by a few third-party delivery service providers, deliver products to customers’ designated addresses and collect payment on site. As of December 31, 2017, we had built an extensive distribution network to deliver products and provide our cash-on-delivery payment option to customers in over 400 cities across China. This payment method not only provides our customers with a secure and convenient payment option, but also reduces our operating expenses and payment collection risk as we can combine payment and delivery services by using our in-house last mile delivery capabilities, without incurring additional fees. Fulfillment We have established a logistics network and warehousing capacity with nationwide coverage. We have adopted a flexible logistics model supported by our robust and advanced warehouse management system. As of December 31, 2017, we delivered over 95% of our orders through our invested and in-house last mile delivery capabilities. Meanwhile, we use a mix of top delivery companies with nationwide coverage and quality regional or local couriers to ensure reliable and timely delivery. Logistics Network and Warehouse Management System Our logistics network consists of regional logistics hubs and local distribution centers. Our regional logistics hubs are strategically located in Zhaoqing of Guangdong Province in Southern China, Kunshan of Jiangsu Province in Eastern China (which is within close proximity of Shanghai), Jianyang of Sichuan 53 Province in Western China, Tianjin in Northern China, and Ezhou of Hubei Province in Central China. We maintain local distribution centers to facilitate distribution of standardized and frequently purchased products. Meanwhile, we have established several bonded warehouses in China to support the growth of our cross-border business. Our warehouse management system enables us to closely monitor each step of the fulfillment process from the time a purchase order is confirmed with the brand partners and the product stocked in our logistics centers, up to when the product is packaged and picked up for shipment to a customer. Shipments from brand partners first arrive at one of our regional logistics hubs, depending on demand from each warehouse. At each logistics hub, inventory is bar-coded and tracked through our management information system, allowing real-time monitoring of inventory levels across our logistics network and item tracking at each logistics center. As we offer a curated selection of brands and products for each daily sales, our logistics centers and inventory management systems are specifically designed to support the frequent sales events on our flash sales platform and a large volume of inventory turnover. In 2015, 2016, and 2017, we processed approximately 193.1 million, 269.8 million, and 335.0 million customer orders, respectively. Since 2013, we have been implementing innovative solutions to further enhance our logistics efficiency. The ‘‘just-in-time’’ method, or JIT, allows some of our suppliers to not load inventories to the warehouse before the relevant products are put up for sale. Instead, the suppliers will load inventories to our warehouses only within a period of time after being notified when orders have been generated. Compared to the traditional bulk load-in and bulk load-out method, JIT enables certain suppliers that have worked with us well to further increase turnover. Moreover, the ‘‘third-party logistics’’ method, or 3PL, allows some of our suppliers to lease vacant space of our warehouses to manage their supplies. The 3PL increases utilization of our warehouses while enabling certain suppliers to manage their supplies more efficiently. The combined JIT and 3PL have been implemented for the majority of our business. Delivery Services We deliver orders placed on our Vipshop Online Platform to all areas in China primarily through our invested and in-house last mile delivery capabilities and, to a lesser extent, through leading reputable third-party delivery companies with nationwide coverage, including EMS and Shunfeng, and quality regional and local couriers. As of December 31, 2017, over 95% of our orders were delivered by our invested and in-house last mile delivery capabilities. For luxury goods orders, we deliver the products with an ‘‘anti-tampering lock’’ device to further enhance customer trust. For delivery to smaller cities, we use a combination of our invested and in-house last mile delivery capabilities and third-party delivery companies to achieve greater operational efficiency and ensure timely delivery to our customers. We bundle packages for customers in smaller cities within a particular region and ship in bulk to be then delivered locally to our customers. Our use of reputable national delivery companies and regional and local couriers to supplement our invested and in-house last mile delivery capabilities allows us to maintain operational flexibility and accommodate order demand, thereby ensuring high service quality. We leverage our large-scale operations, our strong invested and in-house last mile delivery capabilities and reputation to obtain favorable contractual terms from third-party delivery companies. To reduce the risk of reliance on any single delivery company, we typically contract with two or more regional delivery companies in each major city. We regularly monitor and review the delivery companies’ performance and their compliance with our contractual terms. In addition, we typically require the delivery companies to pay deposits or provide payment guarantees before providing services to us. We typically negotiate and enter into logistics agreements on an annual basis. 54 Return Policy Due to the limited quantities of each featured flash sales product, we do not normally offer a product exchange service but customers may return products purchased from our platform. We currently offer our customers an unconditional right of return for a period of seven days on sales from our Vipshop Online Platform upon receipt of products. Our customers can return products purchased on our platform within seven days of receipt of the products as long as the products are unused, unwashed, unworn, undamaged and in their original packaging and in original condition. For return of luxury goods, the anti-tampering lock on the product must remain intact. Once a customer submits a return application request online or by phone, our customer service representatives will review and process the request or contact the customer by email or by phone if there are any questions relating to the request. Upon our receipt of the returned product, we credit the customer’s Vipshop member account or credit card with the purchase price. We believe our hassle-free return policies help to increase customer spending and enhance customer loyalty. Customer Service We believe that our emphasis on customer service enhances our ability to maintain a large and loyal customer base and create a positive customer experience, encouraging repeat visits and purchases. We have a dedicated customer service team responsible for handling general customer inquiries and requests, assisting customers with their ordering process, investigating the status of orders, shipments and payments, resolving customer complaints, and providing other after-sales services. Our customers can contact customer service representatives through our customer service e-mail, real-time online chat, or our customer service hotline 15 hours a day, seven days a week. As of December 31, 2017, our customer service center, located in our Guangzhou headquarters, had approximately 1,900 well-trained employees. We maintain service quality by carefully selecting personnel, providing our customer service representatives with extensive training, and regularly monitoring and evaluating the performance of each representative. Each new customer service representative is required to complete a mandatory training program in Guangzhou, conducted by experienced managers and covering product knowledge, complaint handling, service attitude and communication skills. To facilitate timely resolution of customer complaints, we also train and empower our customer service representatives to resolve complaints and remedy situations within a specified authorized amount determined based on their seniority without having to get approval from their supervisors. To maintain control over the quality of customer services, we do not outsource any of our e-mail, online live chat, or call center customer service operations. Marketing Although historically we have not incurred substantial marketing expense and have been able to build a large base of loyal customers with relatively low customer acquisition cost primarily through word-of-mouth referrals and providing our customers with an enjoyable, satisfying and rewarding shopping experience and using cost-effective marketing means, we intentionally reinvested our profits into marketing to gain market share starting in 2014. Since the second quarter of 2014, we have been increasing marketing expenses to strengthen our brand awareness, attract more mobile users, and expand market share especially within product categories such as apparel, cosmetics, maternal and baby products. We continued to improve and enhance the element of ‘‘thrill and excitement’’ associated with the customer shopping experience to promote word-of-mouth referrals and repeat customer visits to our Vipshop Online Platform. As part of our viral marketing strategy, we provide various incentives to our existing customers to increase their spending and loyalty. Our customers can earn reward points upon 55 registration and for each purchase they make, and may exchange the reward points for coupons, gifts and lucky draw opportunities on our platform. Our customers may also earn reward points by introducing new members and customers to our platform. In addition, we encourage our customers to share their successful flash sales shopping experiences through social media and microblogging websites in China. We offer an ‘‘easy-to-share’’ function that enables our customers to easily share their shopping experiences with us on social networking Internet platforms and microblogging websites. Technology Our IT systems are designed to enhance efficiency and scalability, and play an important role in the success of our business. We rely on a combination of internally developed proprietary technologies and commercially available licensed technologies to improve our platform and management systems in order to optimize every aspect of our operations for the benefit of our customers and brand partners. We have adopted a service-oriented architecture supported by data processing technologies which consists of front-end and back-end modules. Our network infrastructure is built upon self-owned servers located in data centers operated by major PRC Internet data center providers. We are implementing enhanced cloud architecture and infrastructure for our core data processing system to augment our existing virtual private network as we continue to expand our operations in new geographic locations, enabling us to achieve significant internal efficiency through a virtual and centralized network platform. Our front-end modules, which refer to modules supporting the user-interfaces of our platform, mainly include product display, registered member account management, category browsing, online shopping cart, order processing functions and payment functions. Our front-end modules are supported by our proprietary content distribution network, dynamic and distributed cluster and a core database, providing our customers with quicker access to the product display they are interested in, and facilitating faster processing of their purchases. We have developed our IT systems to handle a surge of visitor traffic to our platform during the peak hours of our twice-per-day sales from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. Beijing time, providing our customers with a smooth online shopping experience. Our back-end modules, which refer to modules supporting our business operations, mainly include customer service, ERP system, warehouse and logistics management, product information management, business intelligence and administration management systems. Our customer service system mainly consists of our customer relationship management system, our audio and online customer service system and our customer data analysis and membership management system. We believe that we are one of the few PRC e-commerce companies to implement an ERP system, which we have customized to integrate our management of brand partners, accounting and product distribution information. Our warehouse and logistics management system primarily consists of our warehouse management system and our track data storage and automated warehouse and logistics operations, which allow us to efficiently manage our inventories, track the products, and deliver the products to our customers on a timely basis. We have designed our product information management system to perform a variety of functions such as products filing, products photographing, products-information compiling, sample products management, online sales scheduling and other functions relating to on-line sales of goods. This system greatly enhances the efficiency of our operations. Our customer relationship management and business intelligence systems enable us to effectively gather, analyze and make use of internally generated customer behavior and proprietary transaction data. We regularly use this information in planning our marketing initiatives for upcoming flash sales and make profile-based personalized recommendations to enhance our users’ shopping experience. We have been working to add more features to our personalized interfaces so that our customers may have unique experience when shopping with us. In addition, we also provide selected data to our brand partners to help them optimize their product development and sales and marketing strategies. Our business intelligence system is an intelligence system built with the proprietary cloud computing 56 infrastructure, providing decision-making intelligence such as dashboards operation, operational analysis, market analysis, sales forecasts and products such as anti-fraud filters, precision marketing, personalized recommendations and other application-oriented intelligent products that facilitate data-driven decision-making and increase our product sales. Our research and development team has significantly enhanced our cybersecurity efforts against online and offline frauds, risk control and potential cyber-attacks, such as DDoS and spamming. For example, we have implemented a security response system to deal with online security breaches, as well as a multi-disciplinary risk control program to protect assets and fight against offline fraudulent issues. We have developed most of the key business modules through our internal IT department. We also license software from reputable third-party providers, such as Manhattan Information System and Oracle, and work closely with these third-party providers to customize the software for our operations. We have implemented a number of measures to protect against failure and data loss. We have developed a disaster tolerant system for our key business modules which includes real-time data mirroring, daily off-line data back-up and redundancy and load balancing. We believe that our module-based systems are highly scalable, which enable us to quickly expand system capacity and add new features and functionality to our systems in response to our business needs and evolving customers’ demands without affecting the operation of existing modules. We have also adopted rigorous security policies and measures, including encryption technology, to protect our proprietary data and customer information. Intellectual Property We regard our trademarks, service marks, domain names, trade secrets, proprietary technologies and similar intellectual property as critical to our success, and we rely on trademark, copyright and trade secret protection laws in the PRC and other jurisdictions, as well as confidentiality procedures and contractual provisions with our employees, partners, service providers, suppliers and others to protect our proprietary rights. As of December 31, 2017, we owned 1,051 registered trademarks, 113 copyrights (including copyrights to 85 software products developed by us relating to various aspects of our operations), and 276 registered domain names that are material to our business, including vip.com and vipshop.com. Competition The online flash sales market, as one of the fast-growing categories of the e-commerce market in China, is rapidly competitive and rapidly evolving. Our primary competitors include B2C e-commerce companies that sell similar products and services online, such as Alibaba, and other online flash sales companies. We believe we compete primarily on the basis of: (cid:127) ability to identify products in demand among consumers and source these products on favorable terms from brands; (cid:127) pricing; (cid:127) breadth and quality of product offerings; (cid:127) platform features; (cid:127) customer service and fulfillment capabilities; and (cid:127) reputation among consumers and brands. 57 We believe that our early mover advantage and leading market position help us to compete efficiently against our competitors. However, some of our current and potential competitors may have longer operating histories, larger customer bases, better brand recognition, stronger platform management and fulfillment capabilities and greater financial, technical and marketing resources than we do. See ‘‘Item 3.D. Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Business and Industry—If we do not compete effectively against existing or new competitors, we may lose market share and customers.’’ Regulation This section summarizes all of the significant laws and regulations that materially affect our business and operations and the key provisions of such laws and regulations. Regulations on Foreign Investment Investment activities in China by foreign investors are principally subject to industry-based regulation. The Provisions for Guiding the Foreign Investment Direction promulgated by the PRC State Council on February 11, 2002 divides industries in China into four categories, namely, ‘‘permitted industries for foreign investment,’’ ‘‘encouraged industries for foreign investment,’’ ‘‘restricted industries for foreign investment’’ and ‘‘prohibited industries for foreign investment.’’ The ‘‘encouraged industries for foreign investment,’’ ‘‘restricted industries for foreign investment’’ and ‘‘prohibited industries for foreign investment’’ are further stipulated in the Guidance Catalog of Industries for Foreign Investment, or the Catalog, which was promulgated and amended from time to time by MOFCOM and NDRC. Industries not listed in the Catalog are generally considered ‘‘permitted industries for foreign investment,’’ which are open to foreign investment unless specifically restricted by other PRC regulations. Establishment of WFOEs is generally allowed in encouraged and permitted industries. Some restricted industries are limited to equity or contractual joint ventures, while in some cases Chinese partners are required to hold a majority of interests in such joint ventures. In addition, restricted category projects are subject to approval by MOFCOM or its local counterpart. Foreign investors are not allowed to invest in industries in the prohibited category. Industries not listed in the Catalog are generally open to foreign investment unless specifically restricted by other PRC regulations. For example, pursuant to the latest Catalog amended on June 28, 2017, the provision of value-added telecommunications services falls in the restricted category and the percentage of foreign ownership cannot exceed 50% (except for operating e-commence). On September 3, 2016, the Standing Committee of NPC promulgated the FIE Amendment, effective as of October 1, 2016. Pursuant to the FIE Amendment, formation of an FIE in an industry that is not subject to special administrative measures for foreign investment admission by the PRC government no longer requires prior approval by MOFCOM or its local counterpart. Instead, pursuant to the Provisional Measures on Filing Administration for Establishment and Change of Foreign- Invested Enterprises, which were promulgated by MOFCOM on October 8, 2016 to further implement the FIE Amendment and became effective on the same date, where the establishment or any change of an FIE is not subject to special administrative measures for foreign investment admission by the PRC government, the FIE may proceed with the filing procedures in lieu of the approval procedures. However, where the establishment or any change to an FIE is subject to the special administrative measures for foreign investment admission by the PRC government, the FIE must still follow the approval procedures in accordance with the relevant laws and regulations governing foreign investment. Regulations on Value-Added Telecommunications Services The PRC government extensively regulates the telecommunications industry, including the Internet sector. The State Council, MIIT, MOFCOM, the State Administration for Industry and Commerce, or SAIC, the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television (formerly known as 58 the General Administration of Press and Publication, or GAPP), and other relevant government authorities have promulgated an extensive regulatory scheme governing telecommunications, on-line sales and e-commerce. However, China’s telecommunications industry and Internet-related industry are at an early stage of development. As a result, new laws and regulations may be adopted from time to time that will require us to obtain additional licenses and permits in addition to those that we currently have, and will require us to address new issues that arise from time to time. In addition, substantial uncertainties exist regarding the interpretation and implementation of current and any future PRC laws and regulations applicable to the telecommunications, on-line sales and e-commerce. See ‘‘Item 3.D. Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Doing Business in China—Uncertainties with respect to the PRC legal system could adversely affect us.’’ Licenses for Value-Added Telecommunication Services On September 25, 2000, the Telecommunications Regulations of the People’s Republic of China, or the Telecom Regulations, were issued by the State Council as the primary governing law on telecommunication services. The Telecom Regulations set out the general framework for the provision of telecommunication services by PRC companies. Under the Telecom Regulations, it is a requirement that telecommunications service providers procure operating licenses prior to their commencement of operations. The Telecom Regulations draw a distinction between ‘‘basic telecommunications services’’ and ‘‘value-added telecommunications services.’’ A ‘‘Catalog of Telecommunications Business’’ was issued as an attachment to the Telecom Regulations to categorize telecommunications services as basic or value-added, and was updated to classify the information services such as content service, entertainment and online games services as value-added telecommunications services. The Telecom Regulations were amended in July 2014 in accordance with the Decision of State Council on Amending Certain Administrative Regulations (Order No. 653) and further amended in February 2016 in accordance with the Decision of State Council on Amending Certain Administrative Regulations (Order No.666). On December 28, 2015, MIIT released the Catalog of Telecommunication Business (2015 Revision), or the 2015 Telecom Catalog, which took effect on March 1, 2016. Under the 2015 Telecom Catalog, both the online data processing and transaction processing business (i.e. operating e-commerce) and Internet information business, continue to be categorized as value-added telecommunication services, and the Internet information business as defined under the 2015 Telecom Catalog includes information release and delivery services, information search and query services, information community platform services, information real-time interactive services, and information protection and processing services. On July 3, 2017, MIIT issued the Administrative Measures for Telecommunications Business Operating Permit, or the Telecom Permit Measures, which took effect on September 1, 2017, and replaced the administrative measures for telecommunication business operating permit promulgated on March 5, 2009. The Telecom Permit Measures confirm that there are two types of telecom operating licenses for operators in China, namely, licenses for basic telecommunications services and licenses for value-added telecommunications services. The operation scope of the license will detail the permitted activities of the enterprise to which it is granted. An approved telecommunication services operator shall conduct its business in accordance with the specifications recorded on its VATS License. In addition, a VATS License’s holder is required to obtain approval from the original permit-issuing authority prior to any change to its shareholders. On February 24, 2015, the State Council has issued the Decisions on Cancelling and Adjusting a Batch of Administrative Approval Items, which, among others, replaced the pre-registration approval requirement for telecommunications business with post-registration approval requirement. On September 25, 2000, the State Council promulgated the Administrative Measures on Internet Information Services, or the Internet Measures, which was amended in January 2011. Under the Internet Measures, commercial Internet information services operators shall obtain an ICP License, 59 from the relevant government authorities before engaging in any commercial Internet information services operations within China. The ICP License has a term of five years and shall be renewed within 90 days before expiration. Our consolidated affiliated entity, Vipshop Information, has obtained an ICP License issued by Guangdong Province Administration of Telecommunication since September 24, 2008, which was updated in September 2013 and is scheduled to expire in September 2018. As of the date of this annual report, we held an EDI License valid until December 2022, which is required for providing platform access to third-party merchants for their sales of products to further develop our business. Foreign Investment in Value-Added Telecommunication Services Pursuant to the Provisions on Administration of Foreign-Invested Telecommunications Enterprises promulgated by the State Council on December 11, 2001 and amended on September 10, 2008 and February 6, 2016, or the FITE Regulations, the ultimate foreign equity ownership in a value-added telecommunications services provider may not exceed 50%. Moreover, for a foreign investor to acquire any equity interest in a value-added telecommunication business in China, it must satisfy a number of stringent performance and operational experience requirements, including demonstrating good track records and experience in operating value-added telecommunication business overseas. Foreign investors that meet these requirements must obtain approvals from MIIT and MOFCOM or their authorized local counterparts, which retain considerable discretion in granting approvals. Pursuant to publicly available information, the PRC government has issued telecommunications business operating licenses to only a limited number of FIEs, most of which are Sino-foreign joint ventures engaging in the value-added telecommunication business. Under the latest version of the Catalog, value-added telecommunications services continue to be categorized as restricted industry for foreign investment, and a foreign investor may not hold more than 50% of equity interest in an operator of value-added telecommunications services, except for e-commerce. On June 19, 2015, MIIT issued the Circular on Removing the Restrictions on Equity Ratio Held by Foreign Investors in Online Data Processing and Transaction Processing (Operating E-Commerce) Business to amend the relevant provisions in the FITE Regulations, allowing foreign investors to own more than 50% of equity interest in an operator of ‘‘operating e-commerce’’ business. However, foreign investors are still prohibited from holding more than 50% of equity interest in a provider of other subcategories of value-added telecommunications services. The MIIT Circular issued by MIIT in July 2006 reiterated the regulations on foreign investment in telecommunications businesses, which require foreign investors to set up FIEs and obtain the applicable VATS License to conduct any value-added telecommunications business in China. Under the MIIT Circular, a domestic company that holds a VATS License is prohibited from leasing, transferring or selling the license to foreign investors in any form, and from providing any assistance, including providing resources, sites or facilities, to foreign investors that conduct value-added telecommunications business illegally in China. Furthermore, the relevant trademarks and domain names that are used in the value-added telecommunications business must be owned by the local VATS License holder or its shareholders. The MIIT Circular further requires each VATS License holder to have the necessary facilities for its approved business operations and to maintain such facilities in the regions covered by its license. In addition, all value-added telecommunications service providers are required to maintain network and information security in accordance with the standards set forth under relevant PRC regulations. We are a Cayman Islands company, and our PRC subsidiary, Vipshop China, is our WFOE under PRC law and thus is restricted from providing value-added telecommunication services, including Internet information services, in China. To comply with the PRC regulations noted above, our Vipshop Online Platform is operated by our consolidated affiliated entities, each of which is currently owned by PRC citizens, namely, Mr. Eric Ya Shen and Mr. Arthur Xiaobo Hong. As part of our efforts to 60 streamline our contractual arrangements among our consolidated affiliated entities during 2017 and 2018, Vipshop E-Commerce currently holds an EDI License to operate our platform in China, and it also has registered and holds all significant domain names. To conduct our business in China, our PRC subsidiaries have entered into four sets of contractual arrangements with our consolidated affiliated entities, namely, Vipshop Information, Lefeng Information, Pin Jun Tong and Vipshop E-Commerce. For a detailed discussion of our contractual arrangements, please refer to ‘‘Item 4.C. Information on the Company—Organizational Structure.’’ Regulations on Internet Privacy The PRC Constitution states that PRC law protects the freedom and privacy of communications of citizens and prohibits infringement of these rights. In recent years, PRC government authorities have enacted legislation on Internet use to protect personal information from any unauthorized disclosure. The Internet Measures prohibit an ICP operator from humiliating or defaming a third party or infringing the lawful rights and interests of a third party. Furthermore, The Decision on Strengthening Network Information Protection promulgated by the Standing Committee of NPC in December 2012 provides that electronic information that is able to identify identities of citizens or is concerned with personal privacy of citizens is protected by law and shall not be unlawfully obtained or provided. ICP operators collecting or using personal electronic information of citizens shall specify purposes, manners and scopes of information collection and use, obtain consent of citizens concerned, and strictly keep confidential personal information collected. ICP operators are prohibited from disclosing, tampering with, damaging, selling or illegally providing others with personal information collected. Technical and other measures are required to be taken by ICP operators to prevent personal information collected from unauthorized disclosure, damage or being lost. ICP operators are subject to legal liability, including warnings, fines, confiscation of illegal gains, revocation of licenses or filings, closing of websites concerned, public security administration punishment, criminal liabilities, or civil liabilities, if they violate relevant provisions on Internet privacy. Pursuant to the Order for the Protection of Telecommunication and Internet User Personal Information issued by the MIIT on July 16, 2013, any collection and use of users’ personal information must be subject to the consent of the users, abide by the principles of legality, rationality and necessity and be within the specified purposes, methods and scopes. Pursuant to the Ninth Amendment to the Criminal Law issued by the Standing Committee of NPC in August 2015, which became effective in November 2015, any Internet service provider that fails to fulfill obligations to manage information and network security as required by applicable laws and refuses to rectify upon orders from government authorities, will be subject to criminal penalty if such failure (i) causes dissemination of illegal information in large scale; (ii) causes user information leaks resulting in severe consequences; (iii) causes serious loss of evidence to criminal investigations; or (iv) implicates other severe circumstances. Moreover, any individual or entity that (i) sells or provides personal information to others in violation of applicable laws, or (ii) steals or illegally obtains any personal information, in either case implicating severe circumstances, will be subject to criminal penalty. The PRC government, however, has the power and authority to order ICP operators to turn over personal information if an Internet user posts any prohibited content or engages in illegal activities on the Internet. On May 8, 2017, the Supreme People’s Court and the Supreme People’s Procuratorate issued the Interpretations of the Supreme People’s Court and the Supreme People’s Procuratorate on Several Issues Concerning the Application of Law in the Handling of Criminal Cases Involving Infringement of Citizens’ Personal Information, or the Personal Information Interpretations, which became effective on June 1, 2017. The Personal Information Interpretations provides more practical conviction and sentencing criteria for the infringement of citizens’ personal information and mark a milestone for the criminal protection of citizens’ personal information. 61 Regulations Relating to Distribution of Books and Audio-Video Products We are also subject to regulations relating to the distribution of books and audio-video products. Under the latest Administrative Provisions for the Publication Market, which were jointly promulgated in May 2016 by GAPP and MOFCOM and became effective in June 2016, any entity or individual engaging in the distribution of publications, including books, newspapers, periodicals, audio-video products and electronic publications, must obtain an approval from the competent press and publication administrative authority and receive the Publication Operation Permit. Each of Vipshop E-Commerce, Vipshop China, Vipshop Jianyang, Vipshop Kunshan, Vipshop Tianjin, Vipshop Hubei, Vipshop Zhaoqing, and Vipshop Chongqing have obtained Publication Operation Permits, valid until December 2021 and March 2020, October 2018, March 2020, December 2018, May 2020, December 2020, and April 2018, respectively. Furthermore, according to the Notice on Promoting the Healthy Development of Online Distribution of Publications issued by GAPP on December 7, 2010, any entities engaging in online publications distribution in China shall apply for the Publications Operation Permit with an ‘‘online distribution’’ notation. However, the Administrative Provisions for the Publication Market provides that an entity that maintains a valid Publication Operation Permit for the retail sale of publications is only required to file notice with a competent press and publication administrative authority within 15 days from starting online publications distribution business. Currently, the competent press and publication administrative authority in Guangzhou and Shanghai only require online publication distributors, who have the Publication Operation Permit for the retail sale of publications, to complete the notice filing procedure and does not mandate the ‘‘online distribution’’ notation on the Publication Operation Permit in practice. Vipshop E-Commerce has completed the notice filing with the competent authority in Guangzhou. Regulations on E-Commerce China’s e-commerce industry is at an early stage of development and there are few PRC laws or regulations specifically regulating the e-commerce industry. In May 31, 2010, SAIC adopted the Interim Measures for the Administration of Online Commodities Trading and Relevant Services, or the Online Commodities Measures, which took effective on July 1, 2010. Under the Online Commodities Measures, enterprises or other operators which engage in online commodities trading and other services and have been registered with SAIC or its local branches must make available to the public the information stated in their business licenses or the link to their business licenses online on their websites. The online distributors must adopt measures to ensure safe online transactions, protect online shoppers’ rights and prevent the sale of counterfeit goods. The information on trading of commodities released by online distributors shall be authentic, accurate, complete and sufficient. On January 26, 2014, SAIC adopted the Administrative Measures for Online Trading, or the Online Trading Measures, which took effective on March 15, 2014 and repeal the Online Commodities Measures from that day. Under the Online Trading Measures, the consumer is entitled to return the commodities within seven days from the date after receipt of the commodities without giving a reason, except for the following commodities: customized commodities; fresh and perishable commodities; audiovisual products downloaded online or unpackaged by consumers and computer software and other digital commodities; and newspapers and journals that have been delivered. The online commodity operators shall, within seven days upon receipt of the returned commodities, refund the prices paid by consumers for relevant commodities. In addition, operators shall not, by using contract terms or by other manners, set out the provisions that are not fair or rational to consumers such as those that exclude or restrain consumers’ rights, relieve or exempt operators’ responsibilities, and increase the consumers’ responsibilities, and shall not, by using contract terms and by technical means, reach transactions in a forcible manner. On September 21, 2012, MOFCOM issued the Administrative Measures on Single Purpose Commercial Prepaid Cards (Tentative), or the Single Purpose Cards Measures, which took effect on 62 November 1, 2012 and was amended by the Decision of MOFCOM on Repealing and Revising Certain Regulations and Regulatory Documents on August 18, 2016. Under the Single Purpose Card Measures, among other things and subject to implementing rules adopted by the local branch of MOFCOM, the issuer of single purpose commercial prepaid cards, or the Single Purpose Cards, which are defined as the prepaid cards that can only be redeemed by the card issuer, the group companies under the same ultimate control of the card issuer, or the franchise entities under one single brand same as the card issuer, shall (i) register its card issuance with MOFCOM or its local branches within 30 days, and (ii) adopt sufficient measures to control risks, by means of controlling the total balance of the Single Purpose Cards and providing advance deposit, guarantee insurance, bank guarantee or other commercial guarantee as required. Vipshop Information issues and sells the Single Purpose Cards to our customers. Vipshop Information has taken sufficient risk control measures as required and has completed the registration formalities with MOFCOM. During the press conference of the fourth session of the 12th NPC held on March 10, 2016, the deputy director of the finance and economic committee of NPC stated that the enactment of the proposed E-Commence Law had been put on the five-year legislative agenda of the Standing Committee of the 12th NPC. The E-commerce Law (Draft) was deliberated at the 25th session of the 12th NPC in December 2016; and the E-commerce Law (Draft for Second Review) was deliberated at the 30th session of the NPC held in November 2017. A discussion draft of the E-commerce Law was published on the official website of the NPC in November 2017 for comments and review. The E-commerce Law (Draft for Second Review) has clarified some obligations for the operators of E-commerce platforms. For example, among other things, an operator of an E-commerce platform shall (i) require business operators that apply to sell commodities or provide services on its platform to submit truthful information, including the identities, contacts and administrative licenses; (ii) verify and register such information; (iii) establish registration archives and keep them updated regularly; (iv) submit identities and business information of the business operators on its platform to Administrations of Industry and Commerce and tax authorities; (v) disclose relevant information about the service agreements of the platform and transaction rules at a prominent place on the homepage of the platform, and ensure that business operators and consumers are able to read and download such agreements and rules in full conveniently; and (vi) restrain itself from deleting any comments made by consumers on any commodity sold or service provided on its platform, unless the remarks made by consumers involve abusive or slanderous language or are obviously contrary to the facts. Regulation on Internet Finance We currently utilize our Vipshop Online Platform to provide various Internet finance services to our customers, and are subject to the regulations applicable to our provision of those services. On July 18, 2015, ten PRC government authorities, including PBOC, CSRC, the China Insurance Regulatory Commission, or CIRC, the China Banking Regulatory Commission, or CBRC, the Ministry of Finance, or MOF; the Ministry of Public Security, MIIT, the Legislative Affairs Office of the State Council, and the State Internet Information Office, jointly issued the Guidance on Promoting the Healthy Development of Internet Finance, or the Internet Finance Guidance. The Internet Finance Guidance refers to Internet finance as a new financial business model in which traditional financial institutions and Internet companies provide financing, payment, investment, and information intermediary services by using Internet technologies and information and communication technologies. In accordance with the Internet Finance Guidance, Internet finance is part of the finance sector, and Internet finance business operators are still required to comply with the regulations in relation to the provision of each sub-category of specific financial services they provide. On April 12, 2016, the General Office of the State Council issued the Notice on Issuing the Implementing Proposals for the Special Rectification of Internet Financial Risks, or the Special Rectification of Internet Financial Risks. The Special Rectification of Internet Financial Risks aims to, among others, impose stricter 63 market entry regulation on Internet finance, strengthen monitoring of funds, encourage whistleblowers with rewards and enhance penalties for violations, and curb unfair competition. Regulation on Microcredit Services We currently offer supplier financing in the form of microcredit services. In 2008, PBOC and CBRC jointly promulgated the Guidance on the Pilot Establishment of Microcredit Companies, or the Microcredit Guidance, which allowed provincial governments to approve the establishment of microcredit companies on a trial basis. Many government authorities at the provincial or equivalent level, including Guangdong and Shanghai, issued local implementing rules on the administration of microcredit companies pursuant to the Microcredit Guidance. The specific local authority that is in charge of supervision of microcredit business in each administrative region may vary, and usually is the financial office of the local government. Any entities intend to engage in microcredit business in certain administrative region must obtain an approval from the local authority that is in charge of supervision over the microcredit business in such administrative region, and a microcredit company is not permitted to conduct microcredit business outside the administrative region where it is approved to conduct the business. Both national and local level regulations also require, among the other things, the sources of funds of a microcredit company to be limited to the capital contributed by its shareholders, donated fund, and loans from no more than two banking financial institutions provided such loans do not exceed 50% of the net capital of such microcredit company. We currently are permitted to engage in microcredit businesses through two subsidiaries of Vipshop China in Guangzhou and Shanghai, respectively. Regulation on Sales of Securities Investment Fund We currently offer wealth management services via our Vipshop Online Platform. Pursuant to the Measures for the Administration of the Sales of Securities Investment Funds issued by CSRC in June 2004 and amended in June 2011 and March 2013, entities other than securities companies, futures companies, insurance institutions, securities investment consulting institutions may also apply to be qualified as an independent fund sale institutions if the criteria specified by CSRC are satisfied, and may engage in the investment fund sales business (including promotion of investment funds, sales of investment fund shares, and handling of purchase and redemption of investment fund shares) after having been properly registered with the registration authorities and obtained the corresponding qualifications from the local counterpart of CRSC. In March 2013, CSRC issued the Interim Provisions on the Administration of the Business Operations of Securities Investment Fund Sales Institutions through Third-Party E-Commerce Platforms, which provides that a third-party e-commerce platform may provide ancillary services for investment fund sales institutions in relation to the sales of investment funds, and the investment fund sales institutions that sell funds through a third-party e-commerce platform shall, together with the operator of the third-party e-commerce platform, report to CSRC for record-filing within five days after the initiation of such business operation. As of the date of this annual report, we provided promotion and information services to some third-party investment fund managers and banks. We believe, under our current business model, we are not required to either obtain a permit for sales of securities investment fund or complete the record filing formalities with CSRC. However, we cannot assure you that the PRC authorities will not eventually take a view that is contrary to ours. Regulation on Insurance Agency We currently offer insurance products on behalf of insurance companies via our Vipshop Online Platform. Pursuant to the Provisions for the Supervision and Administration of Professional Insurance Agencies (Revised in 2015), or the Insurance Agency Provisions, promulgated by CIRC in 2015, only entities that satisfy the criteria specified by CIRC and hold an insurance agency business operating 64 permit may be entrusted as the agents of the insurance companies to engage in insurance business to the extent authorized by the insurance companies and receive commissions from insurance companies. After obtaining the insurance agency business operation permits, the insurance agents are also required to purchase vocational liability insurance or deposit an amount equal to five percent of its registered capital as security deposit. In addition, all insurance agents are required to report to CIRC in relation to the changes in its name, registered address, name of its initiator and major shareholder, major shareholder, registered capital, shareholding structure, legal form, articles of association, and in relation to any merger or consolidation, or establishment or de-registration of any branches. The insurance agency business operating permit has a valid term of three years, and all insurance agents are required to apply for extension thirty days before the term of their respective permit expires. Pursuant to the Circular on Issuing the Interim Measures for the Supervision of Internet Insurance Business promulgated in July 2015 by CIRC, which became effective in October 2015, insurance institutions must manage and take charge of insurance operations of Internet insurance business including sales, underwriting, settlement of claims, surrender, complaints handling, and customer services. Where a third-party network platform operates and develops the foregoing insurance business, the operator thereof must have obtained the relevant qualifications for insurance business operation. We engage in insurance agency business through a subsidiary of Vipshop Information, which holds an insurance agency business operating permit that allows us to sell insurance products on behalf of issuance companies. Our insurance agency business operating permit is valid from April 22, 2016 until February 1, 2019. Regulation on Payment Services of Non-Financial Institutions On June 14, 2010, PBOC issues the Administrative Measures for the Payment Services of Non-Financial Institutions, or the Payment Services Measures, which became effective on September 1, 2010. Under the Payment Services Measures, a non-financial institution must obtain a payment business license, or Payment License, to provide payment services and qualifies as a paying institution. With the Payment License, a non-financial institution may serve as an intermediary between payees and payers and provide some or all of the following services: online payment, issuance and acceptance of prepaid card, bank card acceptance, and other payment services as specified by PBOC. As of the date of this annual report, we provide online payment services to our customers through a subsidiary of Vipshop Information in Zhejiang, which holds the Payment License valid until June 2022. Regulation on Commercial Factoring Services MOFCOM issued the Notice on the Pilot Launch of Commercial Factoring in June 2012, launched a commercial factoring pilot program in the Shanghai Pudong New Area and the Tianjin Binhai New Area. The MOFCOM further expanded the list of commercial factoring pilot areas to include Guangzhou, Shenzhen in December 2012, and also Chongqing Liangjiang New Area and certain other areas in August 2013. Pursuant to the notices of MOFCOM, local government of those pilot areas promulgated its own rules to implement the pilot program. Under these notices and local implementing rules, commercial factoring companies may be established in these areas upon the approval of the local counterpart of MOFCOM or other competent authority. The business scope of a commercial factoring company may include the services of trade financing, management of sales ledgers, investigation and assessment of client credit standings, management and collection of accounts receivable and credit risk guarantee. A commercial factoring company is not allowed to conduct other financial business, such as taking deposits and lending loans, or to specialize in or carry out debt collection. Currently, we provide secured commercial factoring to our suppliers through one subsidiary of Vipshop China in Shanghai. 65 Regulation on Courier Services and Road Transportation Services The Ministry of Transport has promulgated the Administrative Measures for Courier Market in January 2013, and the Administrative Measures for Courier Service Operation Permit (2015 Revision) in July 2015. Pursuant to these provisions, any entity engaging in courier services must obtain a courier service operation permit from the State Post Bureau or its local counterpart and is subject to their supervision and regulation. The State Post Bureau accepts permit applications for operating courier services across multiple provinces, and provincial post bureaus accept permit applications for operating courier services within a province. An entity holding a multi-provincial courier service operation permit may provide courier services in cities other than its place of registration by establishing new branches in these cities and then filing with the relevant provincial post bureaus for these branches within 20 days. The courier service business must be operated within the permitted scope and valid term of the courier service operation permit. The State Council promulgated the Regulations on Road Transportation in April 2004, which is subsequently amended in September 2012 and February 2016. Pursuant to the Regulations on Road Transportation, the Ministry of Transport has promulgated the Provisions on Administration of Road Freight Transportation and Stations in June 2005 and amended subsequently in July 2008, April 2009, March 2012 and April 2016. According to these regulations, anyone engaging in the business of operating road transportation and stations must obtain a road transportation operation permit, and each vehicle used for shipping must have a road transportation certificate. We operate our national delivery and logistics network primarily through a subsidiary of Pin Jun Tong, namely Pinjun Holdings Co., Ltd., or Pinjun, and its subsidiaries and branches. Currently, most of the subsidiaries of Pinjun have all obtained courier service operation permits that allow us to operate an express delivery network across the county. Vipshop China, Pinjun and most of subsidiaries and branches of Pinjun have also all obtained road transaction operation permits that allow us to provide road freight transportation services. Regulations on Sales of Food Sales of food in China must comply with laws and regulations regarding food hygiene and safety. The amended Food Safety Law implemented an administrative system of food industry, and the China Food and Drug Administration, or CFDA, became the authority in charge of supervision of all food-related business operations, including food production, food distribution and catering services, in China. The food distribution permit has a term of three years. On August 31, 2015, CFDA issued the Administrative Measures for Food Business Licensing, which was amended and took effect as of November 17, 2017, which, among others, requires an enterprise engaging in food business to obtain a food business operating permit. Moreover, according to the public announcement by CFDA in September 2015, the food distribution permits previously issued by local branches of SAIC will continue to be valid until expiration; but a food business operator holding a food distribution permit has to apply to the competent local branch of CFDA to replace such permit with a food business operating permit before it expires. The current food distribution permits held by Vipshop China, Vipshop Information and Vipshop E-Commerce are valid until November 2021, May 2022 and July 2022, respectively. Regulations on Software Products The Computer Software Copyright Registration Procedures, which were issued by the State Copyright Bureau on February 20, 2002 to further implement the Computer Software Protection Regulations promulgated by the State Council, as amended, apply to software copyright registration, license contract registration and transfer contract registration. As of December 31, 2017, we registered 113 copyrights, including 85 software programs in China. 66 Regulations on Trademarks Trademarks are protected by the PRC Trademark Law which was adopted in 1982 and subsequently amended in 1993, 2001 and 2013 as well as the Implementation Regulation of the PRC Trademark Law adopted by the State Council in 2002 and subsequently amended in 2013. The Trademark Office under SAIC handles trademark registrations and grants a term of ten years to registered trademarks which may be renewed for consecutive ten-year periods upon request by the trademark owner. Trademark license agreements must be filed with the Trademark Office for record. The PRC Trademark Law has adopted a ‘‘first-to-file’’ principle with respect to trademark registration. Where a trademark for which a registration has been made is identical or similar to another trademark which has already been registered or been subject to a preliminary examination and approval for use on the same kind of or similar commodities or services, the application for registration of such trademark may be rejected. Any person applying for the registration of a trademark may not prejudice the existing right first obtained by others, nor may any person register in advance a trademark that has already been used by another party and has already gained a ‘‘sufficient degree of reputation’’ through such party’s use. We have registered 871 trademarks in China and 180 trademarks overseas as of December 31, 2017. Under PRC law, any of the following acts will be deemed as an infringement to the exclusive right to use a registered trademark: (1) use of a trademark that is the same as or similar to a registered Trademark for identical or similar goods without the permission of the trademark registrant; (2) sale of any goods that have infringed the exclusive right to use any registered trademark; (3) counterfeit or unauthorized production of the label of another’s registered Trademark, or sale of any such label that is counterfeited or produced without authorization; (4) change of any trademark of a registrant without the registrant’s consent, and selling goods bearing such replaced Trademark on the market; or (5) other acts that have caused any other damage to another’s exclusive right to use a registered trademark. According to the PRC Trademark Law, in the event of any of the foregoing acts, the infringing party will be ordered to stop the infringement immediately and may be imposed a fine; the counterfeit goods will be confiscated. The infringing party may also be held liable for the right holder’s damages, which will be equal to the losses suffered by the right holder as a result of the infringement, including reasonable expenses incurred by the right holder for stopping the infringement, or the gains obtained by the infringing party if the losses are difficult to be ascertained. If both gains and losses are difficult to be ascertained, the damages may be determined by referring to the amount of royalties for the license of such trademarks, which will be one to three times of the royalties in the case of any serious infringement with malicious intent. If the gains, losses and royalties are all difficult to be ascertained, the court may render a judgment awarding damages no more than RMB3,000,000. Notwithstanding the above, if a distributor does not know that the goods it sells infringe another’s registered trademark, it will not be liable for infringement provided that the seller shall prove that the goods are lawfully obtained and identify its supplier. We source our products from both domestic and international suppliers. Although we have adopted measures in the course of sourcing such products to ensure their authenticity and to minimize potential liability of infringing third parties’ rights, we can provide no assurance that such measures are effective. In the event that counterfeit products or products that otherwise infringe third parties’ rights are sold on our platforms, we could face infringement claims and might not be able to prove we should be exempted from liabilities. See ‘‘Item 3.D. Key Information— Risk Factors—Risks Relating to our Business and Industry—We may incur liability for counterfeit or unauthorized products sold or information posted on our platforms.’’ Regulations on Domain Names The domain names are protected under the Administrative Measures on the Internet Domain Names promulgated by MIIT on August 24, 2017 and became effective on November 1, 2017, which repealed and replaced the Administrative Measures on China Internet Domain Name promulgated on 67 November 5, 2004. MIIT is the major regulatory body responsible for the administration of the PRC Internet domain names, under supervision of which China Internet Network Information Center, or CNNIC, is responsible for the daily administration of CN domain names and Chinese domain names. On September 25, 2002, CNNIC promulgated the CNNIC Implementation Rules of Registration of Domain Name, or the CNNIC Rules, which was renewed on June 5, 2009 and May 29, 2012, respectively. Pursuant to the Administrative Measures on the Internet Domain Names and the CNNIC Rules, the registration of domain names adopts the ‘‘first to file’’ principle and the registrant shall complete the registration via the domain name registration service institutions. In the event of a domain name dispute, the disputed parties may lodge a complaint to the designated domain name dispute resolution institution to trigger the domain name dispute resolution procedure in accordance with the CNNIC Measures on Resolution of the Domain Name Disputes, which was promulgated by CNNIC on March 28, 2012 and became effective on June 28, 2012, file a suit to the People’s Court or initiate an arbitration procedure. We have registered vip.com and other domain names. Regulations on Foreign Currency Exchange The principal regulations governing foreign currency exchange in China are the Foreign Exchange Administration Regulations, or the Foreign Exchange Regulations, as amended on August 5, 2008. Under the Foreign Exchange Regulations, Renminbi is freely convertible for current account items, including the distribution of dividends, interest payments, trade and service-related foreign exchange transactions, but not for capital account items, such as direct investments, loans, repatriation of investments and investments in securities outside of China, unless the prior approval of SAFE is obtained and prior registration with SAFE is made. Though there are restrictions on the convertibility of Renminbi for capital account transactions, which principally include investments and loans, we generally follow the regulations and apply to obtain the approval of SAFE and other relevant PRC government authorities. However, we may not be able to obtain these government registrations or approvals on a timely basis, if at all. If we fail to receive such registrations or approvals, our ability to provide loans or capital contributions to our PRC subsidiaries and our PRC affiliated entity may be negatively affected, which could adversely affect our liquidity and our ability to fund and expand our business. On August 29, 2008, SAFE promulgated the Circular on the Relevant Operating Issues Concerning the Improvement of the Administration of the Payment and Settlement of Foreign Currency Capital of Foreign-Invested Enterprises, or SAFE Circular 142, regulating the conversion by an FIE of foreign currency into Renminbi by restricting how the converted Renminbi may be used. SAFE Circular 142 requires that the registered capital of an FIE settled in Renminbi converted from foreign currencies may only be used for purposes within the business scope approved by the applicable government authority and may not be used for equity investments within China. In addition, SAFE strengthened its oversight of the flow and use of the registered capital of an FIE settled in Renminbi converted from foreign currencies. The use of such Renminbi capital may not be changed without SAFE’s approval, and may not in any case be used to repay Renminbi loans if the proceeds of such loans have not been used. On April 8, 2015, SAFE promulgated the Circular on Reforming the Management Approach Regarding the Foreign Exchange Capital Settlement of Foreign-Invested Enterprises, or SAFE Circular 19, which took effect as of June 1, 2015 and superseded SAFE Circular 142 on the same date. SAFE Circular 19 launched a nationwide reform of the administration of the settlement of the foreign exchange capitals of FIEs and allows FIEs to settle their foreign exchange capital at their discretion, but continues to prohibit FIEs from using the Renminbi converted from their foreign exchange capitals for expenditure beyond their business scopes. On June 9, 2016, SAFE promulgated the Circular on Reforming and Regulating Policies on the Control over Foreign Exchange Settlement of Capital Accounts, or SAFE Circular 16, which took effect on the same date. Pursuant to SAFE Circular 16, FIEs (excluding financial institutions) may go through foreign exchange settlement formalities for their foreign debts at their discretion. Violations of such SAFE circulars could result in 68 severe monetary or other penalties. Our ability to transfer to and use in China the net proceeds from our public offerings of equity securities may continue to be significantly limited. Regulations on Dividend Distribution Under our current corporate structure, our Cayman Islands holding company primarily relies on dividend payments from Vipshop China, which is a WFOE incorporated in China, to fund any cash and financing requirements we may have. The principal regulations governing distribution of dividends of FIEs include the Foreign-Invested Enterprise Law, as amended on October 31, 2000 and September 3, 2016, and the Implementation Rules of the Foreign-Invested Enterprise Law, as amended on April 12, 2001 and on February 19, 2014. Under these laws and regulations, WFOEs in China may pay dividends only out of their accumulated after-tax profits, if any, determined in accordance with PRC accounting standards and regulations. In addition, WFOEs in China are required to allocate at least 10% of their respective accumulated profits each year, if any, to fund certain reserve funds until these reserves have reached 50% of the registered capital of the enterprises. WFOEs may, at their discretion, allocate a portion of their after-tax profits based on PRC accounting standards to staff welfare and bonus funds. These reserves are not distributable as cash dividends. Regulations on Offshore Financing On July 4, 2014, SAFE issued SAFE Circular 37 to replace SAFE Circular 75 that ceased to be effective on the same date. SAFE Circular 37 requires PRC residents (including PRC individuals and PRC corporate entities) to register with local branches of SAFE in connection with their direct or indirect offshore investment activities. Under SAFE Circular 37, (i) an ‘‘SPV’’ refers to an offshore entity directly established or indirectly controlled by PRC residents for the purpose of seeking offshore equity financing or making offshore investment, using legitimate domestic or offshore assets or interests owned by such PRC residents; (ii) ‘‘round trip investment’’ refers to the direct investment in China by such PRC residents through the ‘‘SPV,’’ including, without limitation, establishing FIEs and using such FIEs to purchase or control onshore assets through contractual arrangements; and (iii) ‘‘control’’ is broadly defined as the operation rights, beneficiary rights or decision-making rights acquired by the PRC residents in the offshore SPVs or PRC companies by such means as acquisition, trust, proxy, voting rights, repurchase, convertible bonds or other arrangements. SAFE Circular 37 requires PRC residents to complete a foreign exchange registration of overseas investment with the competent local branches of SAFE before making capital contribution into an SPV. SAFE Circular 37 further requires filing of amendment to the registration in the event of any changes with respect to the SPV, including basic information changes such as changes in a PRC resident individual shareholder, name of SPV or operation period, and significant changes such as changes in the capital contributed by PRC residents, share transfer or exchange, merger, division or other material event. On February 28, 2015, SAFE promulgated a Notice on Further Simplifying and Improving Foreign Exchange Administration Policy on Direct Investment, or SAFE Notice 13, which became effective on June 1, 2015. After SAFE Notice 13 becomes effective, application for foreign exchange registration of inbound foreign direct investment and outbound overseas direct investment, including those required under the SAFE Circular 37, will be filed with qualified banks instead of SAFE. The qualified banks will directly examine the applications and accept registrations under the supervision of SAFE. 69 Moreover, any PRC subsidiary of such SPV is required to urge the PRC resident shareholders of the SPV to update their registration with qualified banks. If any PRC resident shareholder of the SPV fails to make the required registration or to update the previously filed registration, the PRC subsidiaries of the SPV may be prohibited from distributing their profits or the proceeds from any capital reduction, share transfer or liquidation to the SPV, and the SPV also may be prohibited from making additional capital contribution into its PRC subsidiaries. All of our shareholders that we are aware of being subject to the SAFE regulations have completed all necessary registrations and amendments with the local SAFE branch or qualified banks as required by SAFE Circular 37 by the end of 2016. Please see ‘‘Item 3.D. Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Corporate Structure and Restrictions on Our Industry—PRC regulations relating to the establishment of offshore holding companies by PRC residents may subject our PRC resident beneficial owners or our PRC subsidiaries to liability or penalties, limit our ability to inject capital into our PRC subsidiaries, limit our PRC subsidiaries’ ability to increase their registered capital or distribute profits to us, or may otherwise adversely affect us.’’ Regulations on Stock Incentive Plans In December 2006, PBOC promulgated the Administrative Measures of Foreign Exchange Matters for Individuals, which became effective on February 1, 2007. In January 2007, SAFE issued implementing rules for the Administrative Measures of Foreign Exchange Matters for Individuals, which became effective on February 1, 2007 and was partly amended on May 29, 2016 and, among other things, specified approval requirements for certain capital account transactions such as a PRC citizen’s participation in employee share ownership plans or share option plans of an overseas publicly- listed company. Pursuant to the Stock Option Rules, which was promulgated by SAFE in February 2012 and replaced the Application Procedures of Foreign Exchange Administration for Domestic Individuals Participating in Employee Stock Ownership Plans or Stock Option Plans of Overseas Publicly-Listed Companies issued by SAFE in March 2007, PRC residents who are granted shares or stock options by companies listed on overseas stock exchanges based on the stock incentive plans are required to register with SAFE or its local branches. Pursuant to the Stock Option Rules, PRC residents participating in the stock incentive plans of overseas listed companies shall retain a qualified PRC agent, which could be a PRC subsidiary of such overseas publicly-listed company or another qualified institution selected by such PRC subsidiary, to conduct SAFE registration and other procedures with respect to the stock incentive plans on behalf of these participants. Such participants must also retain an overseas entrusted institution to handle matters in connection with their exercise of stock options, purchase and sale of corresponding stocks or interests, and fund transfer. In addition, the PRC agents are required to amend the SAFE registration with respect to the stock incentive plan if there is any material change to the stock incentive plan, the PRC agents or the overseas entrusted institution or other material changes. The PRC agents shall, on behalf of the PRC residents who have the right to exercise the employee share options, apply to SAFE or its local branches for an annual quota for the payment of foreign currencies in connection with the PRC residents’ exercise of the employee share options. The foreign exchange proceeds received by the PRC residents from the sale of shares under the stock incentive plans granted and dividends distributed by the overseas listed companies must be remitted into the bank accounts in the PRC opened by the PRC agents before distribution to such PRC residents. In addition, the PRC agents shall file each quarter the form for record-filing of information of the Domestic Individuals Participating in the Stock Incentive Plans of Overseas Listed Companies with SAFE or its local branches. In March 2011, March 2012, and July 2014, our board of directors and shareholders adopted the 2011 Stock Incentive Plan, or the 2011 Plan, the 2012 Share Incentive Plan, or the 2012 Plan, and the 2014 Share Incentive Plan, or the 2014 Plan, respectively, pursuant to which we may issue stock options 70 to our qualified employees and directors and consultants on a regular basis. After our initial public offering in March 2012, we advised our employees and directors participating in our stock incentive plans to handle foreign exchange matters in accordance with the Stock Option Rules. We have been assisting our PRC option grantees to complete the required registrations and procedures on a quarterly basis. However, we cannot assure you that our PRC individual beneficiary owners and the stock options holders can successfully register with SAFE or in full compliance with the Stock Option Rules. See ‘‘Item 3.D. Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Doing Business in China—Failure to comply with PRC regulations regarding the registration requirements for employee stock incentive plans may subject the PRC plan participants or us to fines and other legal or administrative sanctions.’’ Further, a notice concerning the individual income tax on earnings from employee share options jointly issued by MOF and SAT and its implementing rules, provide that domestic companies that implement employee share option programs shall (a) file the employee share option plans and other relevant documents to the PRC tax authorities having jurisdiction over them before implementing such employee share option plans; (b) file share option exercise notices and other relevant documents with the PRC tax authorities having jurisdiction over them before exercise by the employees of the share options, and clarify whether the shares issuable under the employee share options mentioned in the notice are the shares of publicly listed companies; and (c) withhold taxes from the PRC employees in connection with the PRC individual income tax. We have notified the relevant PRC tax authorities of our share incentive plans, and have also withheld and paid such taxes in connection with the PRC individual income tax. Regulations on Tax PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law and Individual Income Tax Law The major PRC statutes governing EIT consist of the EIT Law promulgated by NPC on March 16, 2007, effective as of January 1, 2008 and amended on February 24, 2017, and its implementing rules promulgated by the State Council on December 6, 2007, effective as of January 1, 2008. Under the EIT Law, enterprises are classified as PRC resident enterprises and non-PRC resident enterprises. PRC resident enterprises typically pay an EIT at the rate of 25%. An enterprise established outside of China with its ‘‘de facto management bodies’’ located within China is considered a PRC ‘‘resident enterprise,’’ meaning that it can be treated in a manner similar to a PRC domestic enterprise for EIT purposes. The implementing rules of the EIT Law define de facto management body as a managing body that in practice exercises ‘‘substantial and overall management and control over the production and operations, personnel, accounting, and properties’’ of the enterprise. SAT issued SAT Circular 82 on April 22, 2009, which was partly amended by Announcement on Issues concerning the Determination of Resident Enterprises Based on the Standards of Actual Management Institutions issued by SAT on January 29, 2014, and further partly amended by Decision on Issuing the Lists of Invalid and Abolished Tax Departmental Rules and Taxation Normative Documents issued by SAT on December 29, 2017. SAT Circular 82, as amended, provides certain specific criteria for determining whether the ‘‘de facto management body’’ of a Chinese-controlled offshore-incorporated enterprise is located in China, which include all of the following conditions: (a) the location where senior management members responsible for an enterprise’s daily operations discharge their duties; (b) the location where financial and human resource decisions are made or approved by organizations or persons; (c) the location where the major assets and corporate documents are kept; and (d) the location where more than half (inclusive) of all directors with voting rights or senior management have their habitual residence. SAT Circular 82 further clarifies that the identification of the ‘‘de facto management body’’ must follow the substance over form principle. In addition, SAT issued SAT Bulletin 45 on July 27, 2011, effective from September 1, 2011 and partly amended on April 17, 2015 and June 28, 2016, respectively, providing more guidance on the implementation of SAT Circular 82. SAT Bulletin 45 clarifies matters including resident status 71 determination, post-determination administration and competent tax authorities. Although both SAT Circular 82 and SAT Bulletin 45 only apply to offshore enterprises controlled by PRC enterprises or PRC enterprise groups, not those controlled by PRC individuals or foreign individuals, the determining criteria set forth in SAT Circular 82 and SAT Bulletin 45 may reflect SAT’s general position on how the ‘‘de facto management body’’ test should be applied in determining the tax resident status of offshore enterprises, regardless of whether they are controlled by PRC enterprises or PRC enterprise groups or by PRC or foreign individuals. Due to the short history of the EIT Law and lack of applicable legal precedents, it remains unclear how the PRC tax authorities will determine the PRC tax resident treatment of a foreign company controlled by individuals like us. We do not believe Vipshop Holdings or Vipshop HK meet all the criteria provided by the implementing rules. As holding companies incorporated outside China, neither Vipshop Holdings nor Vipshop HK is controlled by a PRC enterprise or PRC enterprise groups. Their key assets and records, including the resolutions of their respective boards of directors and the resolutions of their respective shareholders, are located and maintained outside China. In addition, we are not aware of any offshore holding companies with a similar corporate structure as ours ever having been deemed a PRC ‘‘resident enterprise’’ by the PRC tax authorities. Therefore, we do not believe Vipshop Holdings or Vipshop HK is a PRC ‘‘resident enterprise.’’ If, however, the PRC tax authorities determine that Vipshop Holdings or Vipshop HK is a PRC ‘‘resident enterprise’’ for EIT purposes, we would be subject to EIT at a rate of 25% on our worldwide taxable income as well as PRC EIT reporting obligations. We are actively monitoring the possibility of PRC ‘‘resident enterprise’’ treatment for the applicable tax years and are evaluating appropriate organizational changes to avoid this treatment, to the extent possible. The EIT Law and the implementation rules provide that an income tax rate of 10% will normally be applicable to dividends payable to investors that are ‘‘non-PRC resident enterprises,’’ and gains derived by such investors, which (a) do not have an establishment or place of business in China or (b) have an establishment or place of business in China, but the relevant income is not effectively connected with the establishment or place of business to the extent such dividends and gains are derived from sources within China. The PRC State Council or a tax treaty between China and the jurisdictions in which the non-PRC investors reside may reduce such income tax. Pursuant to an Arrangement Between the Mainland of China and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region for the Avoidance of Double Taxation on Income and other applicable PRC laws, if a Hong Kong resident enterprise is determined by the competent PRC tax authority to have satisfied the relevant conditions and requirements, the 10% withholding tax on the dividends the Hong Kong resident enterprise receives from a PRC resident enterprise may be reduced to 5%. However, based on the Notice on Certain Issues with Respect to the Enforcement of Dividend Provisions in Tax Treaties issued on February 20, 2009 by SAT, or SAT Circular 81, if the relevant PRC tax authorities determine, in their discretion, that a company benefits from such reduced income tax rate due to a structure or arrangement that is primarily tax-driven, such PRC tax authorities may adjust the preferential tax treatment; and based on the Circular on How to Interpret and Recognize the ‘‘Beneficial Owner’’ in Tax Treaties, or SAT Circular 601, issued on October 27, 2009 by SAT, which has been abolished on April 1, 2018, conduit companies, which are established for the purpose of evading or reducing tax, or transferring or accumulating profits, shall not be recognized as beneficial owners and thus are not entitled to the above-mentioned reduced income tax rate of 5%. Based on the Circular on Issues concerning the ‘‘Beneficial Owner’’ in Tax Treaties, or SAT Circular 9, issued on February 3, 2018 by SAT, which became effective on April 1, 2018 and replaced the SAT Circular 601, a comprehensive analysis shall be conducted based on the factors set out in the present article and in combination with the actual conditions of specific cases, and certain factors which will negatively affect the determination of an applicant’s status as a ‘‘beneficial owner’’ are provided, such as the business activities engaged in by the applicant do not constitute substantive business activities. In August 2015, SAT promulgated the Administrative Measures for Non-Resident Taxpayers to Enjoy Treatment under Tax Treaties, or SAT 72 Circular 60, which became effective on November 1, 2015. SAT Circular 60 provides that non-PRC resident enterprises are not required to obtain pre-approval from the relevant tax authorities in order to enjoy the reduced withholding tax. Instead, non-PRC resident enterprises and their withholding agents may, by self-assessment and on confirmation that the prescribed criteria to enjoy the tax treaty benefits are met, directly apply the reduced withholding tax rate, and include necessary forms and supporting documents in the tax filings, which will be subject to post-tax filing examinations by the relevant tax authorities. If we are considered a PRC resident enterprise and the competent PRC tax authorities consider dividends we pay with respect to our ADSs or ordinary shares and the gains realized from the transfer of our ADSs or ordinary shares income derived from sources within China, such dividends and gains earned by our non-PRC resident enterprise investors may be subject to EIT at a rate of 10% (or other applicable preferential tax rate if any such non-PRC resident enterprises’ jurisdiction has a tax treaty with China that provides for a preferential tax rate or a tax exemption). Moreover, if we are considered a PRC resident enterprise and the competent PRC tax authorities consider dividends we pay with respect to our ADSs or ordinary shares and the gains realized from the transfer of our ADSs or ordinary shares income derived from sources within China, such dividends and gains earned by non-resident individuals may be subject to PRC individual income tax at a rate of 20% (or other applicable preferential tax rate if any such non-resident individuals’ jurisdiction has a tax treaty with China that provides for a preferential tax rate or a tax exemption). On April 30, 2009, MOF and SAT jointly issued the Notice on Issues Concerning Process of Enterprise Income Tax in Enterprise Restructuring Business, or SAT Circular 59, which became effective retroactively as of January 1, 2008 and was partly amended by the Circular on Issues concerning the Enterprise Income Tax Treatment for the Promotion of Enterprise Restructurings issued by MOF and SAT on December 25, 2014. On February 3, 2015, SAT issued a Public Notice Regarding Certain Enterprise Income Tax Matters on Indirect Transfer of Properties by Non-Tax Resident Enterprises, or SAT Public Notice 7. In December 2017, Article 13 and Paragraph 2 of Article 8 of SAT Public Notice 7 were abolished by Decision of the State Administration of Taxation on Issuing the Lists of Invalid and Abolished Tax Departmental Rules and Taxation Normative Documents on December 29, 2017 and SAT Circular (2017) 37 on December 1,2017, respectively. By promulgating and implementing these two notices, the PRC tax authorities have enhanced their scrutiny over the direct or indirect transfer of equity interests in a PRC resident enterprise by a non-PRC resident enterprise. Pursuant to the SAT Public Notice 7, as amended, in the event that a non-PRC resident enterprise indirectly transfers equities and other properties of a PRC resident enterprise to evade its obligation of paying EIT by implementing arrangements that are not for reasonable commercial purpose, such indirect transfer shall be re-identified and recognized as a direct transfer of equities and other properties of the PRC resident enterprise. The SAT Public Notice 7, as amended, provides clear criteria for assessment of reasonable commercial purposes and has introduced safe harbors for internal group restructurings and the purchase and sale of equity through a public securities market. SAT Public Notice 7 also brings challenges to both offshore transferor and transferee (or other person who is obligated to pay for the transfer) of taxable assets. Where a non-PRC resident enterprise transfers taxable assets indirectly by disposing of the equity interests of an offshore holding company, which is an Indirect Transfer, the non-PRC resident enterprise as either transferor or transferee, or the PRC entity that directly owns the taxable assets, may report such Indirect Transfer to the relevant tax authority. Using a ‘‘substance over form’’ principle, the PRC tax authority may disregard the existence of the offshore holding company if it lacks a reasonable commercial purpose and was established for the purpose of reducing, avoiding or deferring PRC tax. As a result, gains derived from such Indirect Transfer may be subject to EIT, and the transferee or other person who is obligated to pay for the transfer is obligated to withhold the applicable taxes, currently at a rate of 10% for the transfer of equity interests in a PRC resident enterprise. Both the transferor and the transferee may be subject to 73 penalties under PRC tax laws if the transferee fails to withhold the taxes and the transferor fails to pay the taxes. On October 17, 2017, SAT promulgated the Circular on Issues concerning Withholding of Enterprise Income Tax for Non-PRC Resident Enterprises, or the SAT Circular (2017) 37, effective on December 1, 2017. Issues concerning withholding of EIT of the China-sourced income, which refers to income obtained from sources within China by non-PRC resident enterprises that (a) do not have an establishment or place of business in China or (b) have an establishment or place of business in China, but the relevant income is not effectively connected with the establishment or place of business in China, shall be subject to the SAT Circular (2017) 37. China-sourced income includes income from equity investment such as dividend and bonus, income from interest, rental and royalties, income from property transfer, and other income. Pursuant to the SAT Circular (2017) 37, non-PRC resident enterprises shall pay EIT in relation to their China-sourced income, and the entities which have the direct obligation to make certain payments to a non-PRC resident enterprise shall be the relevant tax withholders for such non-PRC resident enterprise. The tax withholders shall, within seven days of the day on which the withholding obligation occurs, which is the day when the payment is made in fact or becomes due, declare and remit the withholding tax to the competent tax authority. When declaring and remitting the withholding tax payable, the tax withholders shall complete the Withholding Statement of the PRC for Enterprise Income Tax. In the event that the tax withholder fails to withhold and remit the taxable EIT for a non-PRC resident enterprise, or is unable to perform its obligation mentioned above, the non-PRC resident enterprise shall declare and pay the EIT to the competent tax authority, and complete the Withholding Statement of the PRC for Enterprise Income Tax. We face uncertainties as to the reporting and other implications of past and future private equity financing transactions, share exchange or other transactions involving transfer of shares in our company by investors that are non-PRC resident enterprises, or sale or purchase of shares in other non-PRC resident companies or other taxable assets by us. Our company may be subject to filing obligations or taxed if our company is transferor in such transactions, and may be subject to withholding obligations if our company is transferee in such transactions, under SAT Public Notice 7. For transfer of shares in our company by investors that are non-PRC resident enterprises, our PRC subsidiaries may be requested to assist in the filing under SAT Public Notice 7. As a result, we may be required to expend valuable resources to comply with SAT Public Notice 7 or to request the relevant transferors from whom we purchase taxable assets to comply with these circulars, or to establish that our company should not be taxed under these circulars, which may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. Although it appears that SAT Public Notice 7 are not intended to apply to purchase and sale of shares of publicly traded companies in the open market, the PRC tax authorities may determine that SAT Public Notice 7 are applicable to us in our acquisition of equity interests in companies such as Lefeng and Ovation, and our non-resident shareholders who acquired our shares outside of the open market and subsequently sell our shares in our private financing transactions or in the open market if any of such transactions were determined by the tax authorities to lack reasonable commercial purpose, and we and our non-resident shareholders may be at risk of being required to file a return and being taxed under SAT Public Notice 7 and we may be required to expend valuable resources to comply with SAT Public Notice 7 or to establish that we should not be taxed under SAT Public Notice 7. PRC Value-Added Tax in Lieu of Business Tax (VAT Pilot Program) We conduct product promotional activities for certain brands on our Vipshop Online Platform. Prior to January 1, 2012, pursuant to Provisional Regulation of China on Business Tax which was abolished on November 19, 2017 and its implementing rules, any entity or individual rendering services in the PRC territory is generally subject to a business tax at the rate of 5% on the revenues generated from provision of such services. In November 2011, MOF and SAT jointly issued two circulars setting 74 out the details of the VAT Pilot Program, which change business tax to VAT, for certain industries, including, among others, transportation services, research and development and technical services, information technology services, and cultural and creative services. The VAT Pilot Program initially applied only to these industries in Shanghai, and has been expanded to eight additional provinces, including Beijing, Tianjin, Zhejiang Province (including Ningbo), Anhui Province, Guangdong Province (including Shenzhen), Fujian Province (including Xiamen), Hubei Province and Jiangsu Province in 2012. On May 24, 2013, MOF and SAT jointly issued the Circular on Tax Policies on the Nationwide Expansion of the Pilot Program for the Collection of Value-Added Tax in Lieu of Business Tax in the Transportation Industry and Certain Modern Services Industries, or SAT Circular 37, which expanded the VAT Pilot Program nationwide as of August 1, 2013. On December 12, 2013, MOF and SAT promulgated the Circular on the Inclusion of the Railway Transport Industry and Postal Service Industry in the Pilot Collection of Value-Added Tax in Lieu of Business Tax, or SAT Circular 106, replacing SAT Circular 37 and expanding the VAT Pilot Program to also cover railway transport industry and postal service industry nationwide as of January 1, 2014, in addition to those industries covered under SAT Circular 37. On April 29, 2014, MOF and SAT issued the Circular on the Inclusion of Telecommunications Industry in the Pilot Collection of Value-Added Tax in Lieu of Business Tax, or the SAT Circular 43, expanding the VAT Pilot Program to also cover telecommunications industry nationwide as of June 1, 2014. On March 23, 2016, MOF and SAT issued the Circular on Comprehensively Promoting the Pilot Program of the Collection of Value-Added Tax in Lieu of Business Tax, or the SAT Circular 36, replacing SAT Circular 106 and SAT Circular 43. Effective from May 1, 2016, the PRC tax authorities will collect VAT in lieu of business tax on a trial basis within the PRC territory, and in industries such as construction industries, real estate industries, financial industries, and living service industries. On November 19, 2017, the State Council issued the Decision on Abolishing the Provisional Regulation of China on Business Tax and Amending the Provisional Regulation of China on Value-added Tax, pursuant to which, PRC tax authorities will collect VAT in lieu of business tax for all industries which should have been collected business tax within the PRC territory. Pursuant to the Provisional Regulation of China on Value-added Tax, as amended in 2017, entities and individuals that sell goods, provide labor services of processing, repairs or maintenance, or sell services, intangible assets or real property in China, or import goods to China, shall be subject to VAT with a VAT rate ranging from 6% to 17%. On March 28, 2018, the State Council made a decision on its executive meetings that, effective from May 1, 2018, the VAT rate of manufacturing industry will be decreased from 17% to 16%, and the VAT rate of transportation services, construction services, basic telecommunications services and agricultural goods will be decreased from 11% to 10%. Employment Laws We are subject to laws and regulations governing our relationship with our employees, including wage and hour requirements, working and safety conditions, and social insurance, housing funds and other welfare. The compliance with these laws and regulations may require substantial resources. The PRC Labor Law, which became effective on January 1, 1995 and was amended on August 27, 2009, and the PRC Labor Contract Law, which became effective on January 1, 2008 and was amended on December 28, 2012, permit workers in both state-owned and private enterprises in China to bargain collectively. The PRC Labor Law and the PRC Labor Contract Law provide for collective contracts to be developed through collaboration between the labor union (or worker representatives in the absence of a union) and management that specify such matters as working conditions, wage scales, and hours of work. The laws also permit workers and employers in all types of enterprises to sign individual contracts, which are to be drawn up in accordance with the collective contract. The PRC Labor Contract Law has enhanced rights for the nation’s workers, including permitting open-ended labor contracts and severance payments. The legislation requires employers to provide written contracts to their workers, restricts the use of temporary labor and makes it harder for employers to lay off employees. It also requires that employees with fixed-term contracts be entitled to an indefinite-term 75 contract after a fixed-term contract is renewed twice or the employee has worked for the employer for a consecutive ten-year period. On October 28, 2010, NPC promulgated the PRC Social Insurance Law, which became effective on July 1, 2011. In accordance with the PRC Social Insurance Law and other relevant laws and regulations, China establishes a social insurance system including basic pension insurance, basic medical insurance, work-related injury insurance, unemployment insurance and maternity insurance. On January 19, 2017, the General Office of the State Council promulgated the Circular on Issuing the Pilot Program of Consolidating Maternity Insurance and Employees’ Basic Medical Insurance, pursuant to which maternity insurance and basic medical insurance will be consolidated in certain pilot cities during the period of the pilot program. An employer must pay the social insurance for its employees in accordance with the rates provided under relevant regulations and must withhold the social insurance that should be assumed by the employees. The authorities in charge of social insurance may request an employer’s compliance and impose sanctions if such employer fails to pay and withhold social insurance in a timely manner. Under the Regulations on the Administration of Housing Fund effective in 1999, as amended in 2002, PRC companies must register with applicable housing fund management centers and establish a special housing fund account in an entrusted bank. Both PRC companies and their employees are required to contribute to the housing funds. Companies operating in China are required to participate in various government sponsored employee benefit plans, including certain social insurance, housing funds and other welfare-oriented payment obligations. We have not made adequate employee benefit payments as required under applicable PRC labor laws, but we have recorded accruals for the underpaid amounts in our consolidated financial statements. We believe it is not probable for us to be exposed to any PRC government penalties in relation to the under-paid amount of our employee benefits. However, our failure in making contributions to various employee benefit plans and complying with applicable PRC labor-related laws may still subject us to late payment penalties. See ‘‘Item 3.D. Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Doing Business in China—Our failure to make adequate contributions to various employee benefit plans as required by PRC regulations may subject us to penalties.’’ 76 C. Organizational Structure Corporate Structure The following diagram illustrates our corporate structure, including our principal subsidiaries and consolidated affiliated entity as of the date of this annual report: Equity income Contractual agreements Vipshop Holdings Limited (“Vipshop Holdings”) (Cayman Islands) (100%) Vipshop International Holdings Limited (2) (“Vipshop HK”) (Hong Kong) (100%) Vipshop (China) Co., Ltd. (3) (“Vipshop China”) Guangzhou Vipshop Information Technology Co., Ltd. (1) (“Vipshop Information”) Offshore Onshore (100%) (100%) (100%) (100%) (100%) (100%) (100%) (100%) (100%) Vipshop (Zhaoqing) E-Commerce Co., Ltd. (5) (“Vipshop Zhaoqing”) Vipshop (Jianyang) E-Commerce Co., Ltd. (5) (“Vipshop Jianyang”) Vipshop (Kunshan) E-Commerce Co., Ltd. (5) (“Vipshop Kunshan”) Vipshop (Tianjin) E-Commerce Co., Ltd. (5) (“Vipshop Tianjin”) Guangzhou Pinwei Software Co., Ltd. (6) (“Guangzhou Pinwei”) Vipshop (Zhuhai) E-Commerce Co., Ltd. (4) (“Vipshop Zhuhai”) Vipshop (Hubei) E-Commerce Co., Ltd. (5) (“Vipshop Hubei”) Chongqing Vipshop E-Commerce Co., Ltd. (4) (“Vipshop Chongqing”) Shanghai Pinzhong Commercial Factoring Co., Ltd. (“Shanghai Pinzhong”) 19APR201806162234 (1) Shareholders of Vipshop Information include our co-founders and shareholders Eric Ya Shen and Arthur Xiaobo Hong, holding 99.2% and 0.8% of the total equity interests in Vipshop Information, respectively. (2) An intermediary holding company. (3) A subsidiary primarily engaged in warehousing, logistics, product procurement, research and development, technology development and consulting businesses. (4) Subsidiaries primarily engaged in product procurement business. (5) Subsidiaries primarily engaged in retail businesses in the cities of Jianyang, Kunshan, Tianjin, Zhaoqing and Ezhou and the regions around them. (6) A subsidiary primarily engaged in software development and information technology support. Foreign ownership of Internet-based businesses is subject to significant restrictions under current PRC laws and regulations. The PRC government regulates Internet access, the distribution of online information and the conduct of online commerce through strict business licensing requirements and other government regulations. We are a Cayman Islands company and our PRC subsidiaries, namely Vipshop China is a WFOE. As a WFOE, Vipshop China is restricted from holding the licenses that are necessary for our online operation in China. To comply with these restrictions, our Vipshop Online 77 Platform is operated by our consolidated affiliated entities in China. As part of our efforts to streamline our contractual arrangements among our consolidated affiliated entities during 2017 and 2018, Vipshop E-Commerce currently holds the primary licenses necessary to conduct our Internet- related operations in China. Our PRC subsidiaries have entered into four sets of contractual arrangements with our consolidated affiliated entities and their respective shareholders; one set entered into by (a) Vipshop China, (b) Vipshop Information, and (c) shareholders of Vipshop Information; and the other three sets entered into by, among others, Lefeng Information, which is currently an insignificant consolidated affiliated entity, and two recently established consolidated affiliated entities as part of our efforts to streamline our contractual arrangements among our consolidated affiliates entities during 2017 and 2018, namely Pin Jun Tong and Vipshop E-Commerce, both of which were insignificant as of the date of this annual report. Such contractual arrangements enable us to: (cid:127) exercise effective control over our consolidated affiliated entities; (cid:127) receive substantially all of the economic benefits of our consolidated affiliated entities through service fees, which are equal to 100% of our consolidated affiliated entities’ net income and may be adjusted at our PRC subsidiaries’ sole discretion, in consideration for the technical and consulting services provided by our PRC subsidiaries; and (cid:127) have an exclusive option to purchase, or designate one or more person(s) to purchase, all of the equity interests in our consolidated affiliated entities to the extent permitted under PRC laws, regulations and legal procedures. We do not have any equity interest in our consolidated affiliated entities. However, as a result of contractual arrangements, we are considered the primary beneficiary of our consolidated affiliated entities, and we treat them as our consolidated affiliated entities under U.S. GAAP. We have consolidated the financial results of our consolidated affiliated entities in our consolidated financial statements included in this annual report in accordance with U.S. GAAP. We face risks with respect to the contractual arrangements with our consolidated affiliated entities and their shareholders. If our consolidated affiliated entities or their shareholders fail to perform their obligations under the contractual arrangements, our ability to enforce the contractual arrangements that give us effective control over the consolidated affiliated entities may be limited. If we are unable to maintain effective control over our consolidated affiliated entities, we would not be able to continue to consolidate their financial results. The revenues generated by our directly owned subsidiaries, apart from revenues earned in respect of the relevant contractual arrangements with our consolidated affiliated entities, are primarily derived from our product promotion activities for brands. In the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016, and 2017, our subsidiaries contributed in aggregate approximately 81.6%, 90.3% and 97.8%, respectively, of our total consolidated net revenues, exclusive of revenues derived from our consolidated affiliated entities. As of December 31, 2015, 2016, and 2017, our holding company and our subsidiaries accounted for an aggregate of 76.7%, 86.5% and 85.5%, respectively, of our consolidated total assets (excluding assets attributable to transactions with our consolidated affiliated entities). For a detailed description of the regulatory environment that necessitates the adoption of our corporate structure, see ‘‘Item 4.B. Information on the Company—Business Overview—Regulation.’’ For a detailed description of the risks associated with our corporate structure, see ‘‘Item 3.D. Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Corporate Structure and Restrictions on Our Industry.’’ 78 Contractual Arrangements Relating to Vipshop Information The following is a summary of the material provisions of the agreements among our wholly-owned PRC subsidiary Vipshop China, our consolidated affiliated entity, Vipshop Information, and the shareholders of Vipshop Information. Agreements that Provide Us Effective Control over Vipshop Information Equity Interest Pledge Agreement. Under the amended and restated pledge agreement among Vipshop China, Vipshop Information and its shareholders, the shareholders of Vipshop Information pledged all of their equity interests in Vipshop Information to Vipshop China to guarantee Vipshop Information’s performance of its obligations under the exclusive business cooperation agreement. If any event of default as provided for therein occurs, including the failure by Vipshop Information to perform its contractual obligations under the exclusive business cooperation agreement, Vipshop China, as pledgee, will be entitled to certain rights, including the right to dispose the pledged equity interests. Without Vipshop China’s prior written consent, shareholders of Vipshop Information shall not transfer or otherwise dispose of, or create or allow the creation of any encumbrance on the pledged equity interests. The equity interest pledge agreement will remain in full force and effect until all of the obligations of Vipshop Information under the exclusive business cooperation agreement have been duly performed or terminated. We have completed registering the pledge of the equity interests in Vipshop Information with the local branch of SAIC. Exclusive Option Agreement. Under the amended and restated exclusive option agreement among Vipshop China, Vipshop Information and the shareholders of Vipshop Information, Vipshop Information’s shareholders grant Vipshop China an exclusive option to purchase, or designate one or more person(s) to purchase, all or part of their respective equity interests in Vipshop Information at a purchase price of RMB10, subject to any adjustments as may be required by the applicable PRC laws and regulations at the time. Vipshop China may exercise the option by issuing a written notice to Vipshop Information. Without Vipshop China’s written consent, Vipshop Information and its shareholders may not transfer, sell, pledge or otherwise dispose of, or create any encumbrance on, any assets, business or equity or beneficiary interests of Vipshop Information. This agreement will remain in full force and effect for a term of ten years from the date of execution and may be extended for a period to be determined by Vipshop China. Powers of Attorney. Under the amended and restated powers of attorney, the shareholders of Vipshop Information each irrevocably appointed Vipshop China as their attorney-in-fact to act on their behalf and exercise all of their rights as shareholders of Vipshop Information, including the right to attend shareholder meetings, to exercise voting rights, to appoint directors and senior management of Vipshop Information, and to effect transfers of all or part of their equity interests in Vipshop Information pursuant to the equity interest pledge agreements and exclusive option agreements. Vipshop China has the right to appoint any individual or entity to exercise the power of attorney on its behalf. Each power of attorney will remain in full force and effect until the shareholder ceases to hold any equity interests in Vipshop Information. Agreements that Transfer Economic Benefits to Us Exclusive Business Cooperation Agreement. Under the amended and restated exclusive business cooperation agreement between Vipshop China and Vipshop Information, Vipshop Information agrees to engage Vipshop China as its exclusive provider of technical, consulting and other services in relation to its business operations. In consideration of such services, Vipshop Information will pay to Vipshop China service fees which amount to all of Vipshop Information’s net income. The service fees may be adjusted at Vipshop China’s sole discretion based on the services rendered and the operational needs of Vipshop Information. Vipshop Information contributed approximately 18.38%, 9.72% and 2.16%, 79 respectively, of our total consolidated net revenues in the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017. Vipshop China shall exclusively own any intellectual property arising from the performance of this agreement. The term of this agreement is ten years from the execution date of October 8, 2011 and may be extended for a period to be determined by Vipshop China. Vipshop China may terminate this agreement at any time by giving 30 days’ prior written notice. Vipshop Information has no right to terminate this agreement unless Vipshop China commits gross negligence or fraud. In October 2012, we effected a transfer of 10.4% of equity interest of Vipshop Information from Mr. Jacky Xu to Mr. Eric Ya Shen, our co-founder, chief executive officer and an existing shareholder of Vipshop Information, and amended the original contractual arrangements we had with Mr. Eric Ya Shen to reflect this transfer. In August 2015, we effected a transfer of 11.6% of equity interest of Vipshop Information from Mr. Bin Wu to Mr. Eric Ya Shen, a transfer of 10.4% of equity interest of Vipshop Information from Mr. Xing Peng to Mr. Eric Ya Shen and a concurrent capital increase of Vipshop Information from RMB24.5 million to RMB274.5 million as contributed by Mr. Eric Ya Shen, and further amended the contractual arrangements we had with Mr. Eric Ya Shen and Mr. Arthur Xiaobo Hong to reflect this transfer. In December, 2015, we effected a capital increase of Vipshop Information from RMB274.5 million to RMB824.5 million as subscribed for by Mr. Eric Ya Shen, and further amended the contractual arrangements we had with Mr. Eric Ya Shen and Mr. Arthur Xiaobo Hong to reflect this transaction. As of December 31, 2017, shareholders of Vipshop Information include our co-founders and shareholders Eric Ya Shen and Arthur Xiaobo Hong, holding 99.2% and 0.8% of the total equity interests in Vipshop Information, respectively. We also have three additional sets of contractual arrangements that were entered into by, among others, Lefeng Information, Pin Jun Tong, and Vipshop E-Commerce, respectively, all of which were insignificant as of the date of this annual report. The contractual arrangements thereunder are substantially similar to the set with Vipshop Information described above. In the opinion of Han Kun Law Offices, our PRC legal counsel: (cid:127) the ownership structures of our PRC subsidiaries and our consolidated affiliated entities comply with all existing PRC laws and regulations; (cid:127) the contractual arrangements among our PRC subsidiaries, our consolidated affiliated entities and their respective shareholders that are governed by PRC law are valid, binding and enforceable, and will not result in any violation of PRC laws or regulations currently in effect; and (cid:127) each of our PRC subsidiaries and our consolidated affiliated entities has all necessary corporate power and authority to conduct its business as described in its business scope under its business license. The business licenses of our PRC subsidiaries and our consolidated affiliated entities are in full force and effect. Each of our PRC subsidiaries and our consolidated affiliated entities is capable of suing and being sued and may be the subject of any legal proceedings in PRC courts. To the best of Han Kun Law Offices’ knowledge after due inquires, none of our PRC subsidiaries, our consolidated affiliated entities or their respective assets is entitled to any immunity, on the grounds of sovereignty, from any action, suit or other legal proceedings; or from enforcement, execution or attachment. We have been advised by our PRC legal counsel, however, that there are substantial uncertainties regarding the interpretation and application of current and future PRC laws, regulations and rules. Accordingly, the PRC regulatory authorities may in the future take a view that is contrary to the above opinion of our PRC legal counsel. We have been further advised by our PRC legal counsel that if the PRC government finds that the agreements that establish the structure for operating our online commerce and the distribution of Internet content in China do not comply with relevant PRC government restrictions on foreign investment in value-added telecommunication, we could be subject 80 to severe penalties, including being prohibited from continuing operations. See ‘‘Item 3.D. Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Corporate Structure and Restrictions on Our Industry—Substantial uncertainties and restrictions exist with respect to the interpretation and application of PRC laws and regulations relating to online commerce and provision of Internet content in China. If the PRC government finds that the structure we have adopted for our business operations does not comply with PRC laws and regulations, we could be subject to severe penalties, including shut-down of our Vipshop Online Platform.’’ and ‘‘Item 3.D. Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Doing Business in China—Uncertainties with respect to the PRC legal system could adversely affect us.’’ D. Property, Plants and Equipment We are headquartered in Guangzhou and have approximately 65,000 square meters of office space, data centers, studio and customer service center. In the second half of 2015, we purchased land in Pazhou, Guangzhou for our new office headquarters, and started construction in 2016. We anticipate completion in 2019. As of December 31, 2017, we had approximately 2.5 million square meters of warehouse space, of which approximately 1.5 million square meters of warehouse space is owned by our company. Additionally, we had approximately 600,000 square meters of leased premises for transit stations and distribution stations, as we have been building out our last mile capability. We lease our premises under operating lease agreements from unrelated third parties. A summary of our owned and leased properties as of December 31, 2017 is shown below: Location/Business Space (in square meters) Usage of Property Guangzhou . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43,564 Beijing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shanghai . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hangzhou . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sub-total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Zhaoqing and Foshan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tianjin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jianyang . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kunshan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ezhou . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Local distribution centers . . . . . . . . . . . . Cross-border business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sub-total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,964 18,385 327 65,240 486,536 318,450 412,138 281,433 665,072 205,618 161,399 2,530,646 Office space, data center, studio and customer service center Office space Office space and data center Office space Logistics center Logistics center Logistics center Logistics center Logistics center Logistics center Logistics center Our servers are hosted at leased Internet data centers owned by leading PRC telecommunications carriers. We typically enter into leasing and hosting service agreements that are renewable from year to year. We believe that our existing facilities are sufficient for our near term needs. Some of these lease agreements include terms of renewal for periods ranging from one to ten years upon expiry of their respective original lease terms, without purchase options or escalation clause. If these lease agreements are not renewed, we are obligated to remove the facilities constructed under certain of our warehouse space lease contracts, although we expect such related removal costs to be insignificant. ITEM 4A. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS Not applicable. 81 ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS You should read the following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this annual report on Form 20-F. This discussion may contain forward-looking statements based upon current expectations that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including those set forth under ‘‘Item 3.D. Key Information—Risk Factors’’ or in other parts of this annual report on Form 20-F. A. Operating Results We began our operations in August 2008 and have grown significantly since then. In 2015, 2016, and 2017, we fulfilled approximately 193.1 million, 269.8 million, and 335.0 million customer orders, respectively, and we generated total net revenues of RMB40.20 billion, RMB56.59 billion, and RMB72.91 billion (US$11.21 billion), respectively. In 2015, 2016, and 2017, we generated net income of RMB1.51 billion, RMB1.99 billion, and RMB1.89 billion (US$290.9 million), respectively. Our net income in 2015, 2016, and 2017 reflected non-cash share-based compensation expenses in an aggregate amount of RMB302.9 million, RMB475.7 million, and RMB667.1 million (US$102.5 million), respectively. Our business and operating results are affected by general factors affecting the online retail market in China, including China’s overall economic growth, the increase in per capita disposable income, the growth in consumer spending and retail industry and the expansion of Internet penetration. Unfavorable changes in any of these general factors could affect the demand for products we sell and could materially and adversely affect our results of operations. Our results of operations are also affected by the regulations and industry policies related to the online retail market. Although we have generally benefited from the PRC government’s policies to encourage economic growth, we are also affected by the complexity, uncertainties and changes in the PRC regulation of the Internet industry. Due to PRC legal restrictions on foreign equity ownership of and investment in the online retail sector in China, we rely on contractual arrangements with our consolidated affiliated entity, Vipshop Information, and its shareholders to conduct most of our business in China. We face risks associated with our control over our consolidated affiliated entity, as our control is based upon contractual arrangements rather than equity ownership. For a description of these contractual arrangements, see ‘‘Item 4.C. Information on the Company—Organizational Structure.’’ For a detailed description of the regulatory environment that necessitates the adoption of our corporate structure, see ‘‘Item 4.B. Information on the Company—Business Overview— Regulation.’’ For a detailed description of the risks associated with our corporate structure, see ‘‘Item 3.D. Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Corporate Structure and Restrictions on Our Industry.’’ The major factors affecting our results of operations and financial condition are discussed below. Net Revenues We derive revenues primarily from the sale of products offered on our Vipshop Online Platform. Generally, we offer our customers an unconditional right of returning products purchased for a period of seven days upon confirmation of receipt of products. The associated revenues are recognized when the return period expires. Our net revenues are recorded net of VAT and related surcharges. 82 The following table sets forth the key factors that directly affect our net revenues for the periods indicated: Total net revenue (RMB in thousands) . . . . . . Active customers (in thousands) . . . . . . . . . . . Average net revenues per active customer (RMB) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total orders (in thousands) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Average orders per active customer . . . . . . . . For the Year Ended December 31, 2015 2016 2017 40,203,212 36,588 56,591,302 52,100 72,912,313 57,800 1,099 193,079 5.3 1,086 269,800 5.2 1,261 335,000 5.8 Cost of Revenues Our cost of revenues consists primarily of cost of merchandise sold and inventory write-down. We procure inventory from our brand partners and our inventory is recorded at the lower of cost or estimated marketable value. Cost of inventory is determined using the weighted average cost method. Operating Expenses Our operating expenses consist of (a) fulfillment expenses, (b) marketing expenses, (c) technology and content expenses, and (d) general and administrative expenses. The following table sets forth the components of our operating expenses both in absolute amount and as a percentage of total net revenues for the periods indicated: For the year ended December 31, 2015 2016 RMB’000 % RMB’000 Fulfillment expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,667,031 Marketing expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,089,348 Technology and content expenses . . . . . . . . 1,076,520 General and administrative expenses . . . . . 1,301,472 9.1 5.2 2.7 3.2 4,904,526 2,837,680 1,563,582 1,941,146 2017 % 8.7 5.0 2.8 3.4 RMB’000 US$’000 6,899,654 1,060,457 457,806 2,978,621 277,954 1,808,452 376,208 2,447,724 % 9.5 4.1 2.5 3.3 Total operating expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8,134,371 20.2 11,246,934 19.9 14,134,451 2,172,425 19.4 Fulfillment expenses. Fulfillment expenses primarily consist of shipping and handling expenses, packaging expenses and logistics center rental expenses, as well as compensation and benefits of our logistics staff. Our shipping and handling expenses amounted to RMB1.71 billion, RMB2.58 billion, and RMB3.83 billion (US$588.7 million) in 2015, 2016, and 2017, respectively. Historically, we primarily relied on our regional logistics hub in Guangdong Province in Southern China for our fulfillment services. In September and November 2011, September 2013, and November 2014, we started operating our new logistics hubs in Jiangsu Province in Eastern China, Sichuan Province in Western China, Tianjin in Northern China, and Hubei Province in Central China, respectively, to enhance our fulfillment capacity. Throughout 2012 to 2017, we were able to fully utilize the regional logistics hubs. By utilizing these regional logistics hubs, we were able to rely more on quality regional and local couriers, which generally have lower average delivery charges than national delivery companies. This shift to regional delivery companies reduced our shipping and handling expense per order and partially offset the increase in fulfillment expenses. We expect to continue to invest in our logistics network and warehousing capacity to support our long-term growth. We expect our fulfillment expenses to continue to increase in absolute amount as a result of our continued business growth and continue to constitute one of the largest components of our operating expenses. 83 Marketing expenses. Marketing expenses primarily represent advertising expenses incurred in connection with our brand promotional activities, as well as compensation and benefits of our marketing staff. Historically, we have benefited from viral marketing resulting from word-of-mouth referrals from our customers who often expressed their excitement on social media platforms regarding their purchases on our platform. As we enhance our brand awareness by engaging in additional brand promotional activities, we expect our marketing expenses to increase in the foreseeable future. Technology and content expenses. Technology and content expenses primarily consist of the compensation and benefits of our IT staff, telecommunications expenses, and expenses incurred in creating content for our sales events on our platform, including model fees and professional photography expenses. As we continue to expand our IT capabilities to support our anticipated growth, we expect our technology and content expenses to continue to increase in the foreseeable future. General and administrative expenses. General and administrative expenses primarily consist of compensation and benefits of our headquarters and administrative staff, rental expenses, costs for professional services, payment processing fees and other administrative and overhead expenses. As our business further grows and we continue to incur increased costs related to our ongoing compliance and reporting obligations under U.S. securities laws as a public company, we expect our general and administrative expenses to continue to increase in the foreseeable future. Seasonality Our results of operations are subject to seasonal fluctuations. For example, our revenues are relatively lower during the holidays in China, particularly during the Chinese New Year period which occurs in the first quarter of the year, when customers tend to do less shopping, both online and offline. Furthermore, sales in the retail industry are typically significantly higher in the fourth quarter of the year than in the preceding three quarters. This seasonality of our business, however, was not apparent historically as each quarter had greater revenues than the prior quarter due to the rapid growth in sales that we experienced in recent years. Taxation Cayman Islands We are incorporated in the Cayman Islands. Under the current law of the Cayman Islands, we are not subject to income or capital gains tax in the Cayman Islands. Hong Kong Our subsidiary incorporated in Hong Kong is subject to the uniform tax rate of 16.5%. Under Hong Kong tax law, it is exempted from the Hong Kong income tax on its foreign-derived income and there are no withholding taxes in Hong Kong on the remittance of dividends. Hong Kong income tax was provided in our consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017, as our Hong Kong subsidiary generated assessable income in 2015, 2016 and 2017. PRC Our PRC subsidiaries and consolidated affiliated entities are companies incorporated under PRC law and, as such, are subject to EIT on their taxable income in accordance with the relevant PRC income tax laws. Under the EIT Law and its implementation rules, both of which became effective on January 1, 2008, a uniform 25% EIT rate is generally applicable to both FIEs and domestic enterprises, unless they qualify for certain exceptions. Our subsidiaries and the consolidated affiliated entities in the PRC are all subject to the EIT rate of 25% for the periods presented, except for certain subsidiaries, including Vipshop (Jianyang) E-Commerce Co., Ltd., or Vipshop Jianyang, Chongqing Vipshop 84 E-Commerce Co., Ltd., or Vipshop Chongqing, Vipshop (Zhuhai) E-Commerce Co., Ltd., or Vipshop Zhuhai, Guangzhou Pinwei Software Co., Ltd., or Pinwei Software, and Guangzhou Vipshop Internet Technology Co., Ltd., or Vipshop Internet Technology, that enjoyed the following preferential tax treatment on an annual renewal basis. Vipshop Jianyang and Vipshop Chongqing were classified as ‘‘encouraged enterprises in the western regions in an industry sector encouraged by the PRC government’’ and enjoyed a preferential tax rate of 15%. Vipshop Jianyang has obtained the final approval from SAT to enjoy a preferential tax rate of 15% for the period from February 22, 2012 to December 31, 2020.Vipshop Zhuhai enjoyed a preferential tax rate of 15% because it is located in an economy development zone in the PRC and its primary business falls into the scopes of the encouraged industries stipulated in the existing related policies. The term ‘‘encouraged enterprise in an industry sector encouraged by the PRC government’’ as used herein refers to an enterprise incorporated in certain region whose primary business falls into the scopes of the encouraged industries stipulated in the existing related policies, including Catalogue of Encouraged Industries in the Western Region, Industrial Restructuring Guidance Catalogue (2011 Version), as amended in 2013, Catalogue for the Guidance of Foreign Investment Industries, as amended in 2017, Catalogue of Foreign-invested Advantage Industries in Central-Western Region, as amended in 2017, Circular of the Ministry of Finance and the State Administration of Taxation on the Preferential Enterprise Income Tax Policies and Catalogue for Hengqin New Area of Guangdong Province, Pingtan Comprehensive Experimental Area of Fujian Province and Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone of Shenzhen City. Pinwei Software was classified as a high and new technology enterprise and entitled to a preferential tax rate of 15% pursuant to Article 28 of the EIT Law for the periods from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2016. Subsequent to the year ended December 31, 2017, Pinwei Software applied and was classified as ‘‘State Planning Key Software Enterprise’’ by the local tax authority and entitled to a preferential tax rate of 10% pursuant to Circular Caishui (2012) 27 for the period from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2017 on a retrospective basis. Vipshop Internet Technology was classified as a high and new technology enterprise and was entitled to a preferential tax rate of 15% pursuant to Article 28 of the EIT Law for the period from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2017. We evaluate the level of authority for each uncertain tax position (including the potential application of interest and penalties) based on the technical merits, and measure the unrecognized benefits associated with the tax positions. As of December 31, 2016 and 2017, we did not have any unrecognized tax benefits. We do not anticipate any significant increase to our liability for unrecognized tax benefit within the next 12 months. We will classify interest and penalties related to income tax matters, if any, in income tax expense. Under the EIT Law and its implementation rules, dividends from Vipshop China are subject to a withholding tax of 10%, unless there is a tax treaty with China that provides for a different withholding arrangement. Under the EIT Law, an enterprise established outside of China with ‘‘de facto management bodies’’ within China is considered a PRC resident enterprise and will be subject to EIT at the rate of 25% on its global income. The implementation rules define the term ‘‘de facto management bodies’’ as establishments that carry out substantial and overall management and control over the manufacturing and business operations, personnel, accounting, properties, etc. of an enterprise. SAT issued SAT Circular 82 on April 22, 2009, which was partly amended by Announcement on Issues concerning the Determination of Resident Enterprises Based on the Standards of Actual Management Institutions issued by SAT on January 29, 2014, and further partly amended by Decision on Issuing the Lists of Invalid and Abolished Tax Departmental Rules and Taxation Normative Documents issued by SAT on December 29, 2017. SAT Circular 82 provides certain specific criteria for determining whether the ‘‘de facto management body’’ of a Chinese-controlled offshore-incorporated enterprise is located in China. SAT Circular 82 further clarifies that the identification of the ‘‘de facto management body’’ must follow 85 the substance over form principle. In addition, SAT issued SAT Bulletin 45 on July 27, 2011, effective from September 1, 2011 and partly amended on April 17, 2015 and June 28, 2016 respectively, providing more guidance on the implementation of SAT Circular 82. SAT Bulletin 45 clarifies matters including resident status determination, post-determination administration and competent tax authorities. Although both SAT Circular 82 and SAT Bulletin 45 only apply to offshore enterprises controlled by PRC enterprises, not those controlled by PRC individuals, the determining criteria set forth in SAT Circular 82 and SAT Bulletin 45 may reflect the SAT’s general position on how the ‘‘de facto management body’’ test should be applied in determining the tax resident status of offshore enterprises, regardless of whether they are controlled by PRC enterprises or individuals. Although we do not believe that our legal entities organized outside of China constitute PRC resident enterprises, it is possible that the PRC tax authorities could reach a different conclusion. See ‘‘Item 3.D. Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Doing Business in China—it is unclear whether we will be considered a PRC ‘resident enterprise’ under the PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law and, depending on the determination of our PRC ‘resident enterprise’ status, our global income may be subject to the 25% EIT, which could materially and adversely affect our results of operations.’’ However, even if one or more of our legal entities organized outside of the PRC were characterized as PRC resident enterprises, we do not expect any material change in our net current tax payable balance and the net deferred tax balance as these entities were in accumulated loss positions for the year ended December 31, 2014 and started to generate assessable income in 2015. The amount of tax loss carry forwards of our PRC subsidiaries and consolidated affiliated entity was RMB702.7 million and RMB1.09 billion (US$168.1 million) as of December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively. We provided a valuation allowance for the deferred tax assets relating to the future benefit of net operating loss carry forwards and other deferred tax assets of certain subsidiaries as of December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively, as our management is not able to conclude that the future realization of some of such net operating loss carry forwards is more likely than not. On February 3, 2015, SAT issued SAT Public Notice 7. In December 2017, Article 13 and Paragraph 2 of Article 8 of SAT Public Notice 7 were abolished. Under SAT Public Notice 7, as amended, where a non-PRC resident enterprise transfers taxable assets indirectly by disposing of the equity interests of an offshore holding company, which is an Indirect Transfer, the non-PRC resident enterprise as either transferor or transferee, or the PRC entity that directly owns the taxable assets, may report such Indirect Transfer to the relevant tax authorities. Using a ‘‘substance over form’’ principle, the PRC tax authorities may disregard the existence of the offshore holding company if it lacks a reasonable commercial purpose and was established for the purpose of reducing, avoiding or deferring PRC tax. As a result, gains derived from such Indirect Transfer may be subject to EIT, and the transferee or other person who is obligated to pay for the transfer is obligated to withhold the applicable taxes, currently at a rate of 10% for the transfer of equity interests in a PRC resident enterprise. Both the transferor and the transferee may be subject to penalties under PRC tax laws if the transferee fails to withhold the taxes and the transferor fails to pay the taxes. See ‘‘Item 3.D. Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Doing Business in China—We face uncertainty with respect to indirect transfers of equity interests in PRC resident enterprises by their non PRC holding companies.’’ China started to apply VAT in 1984 on 24 specified taxable items until a structural reform on taxation system was implemented in 1994. In December 1993, the State Council of China promulgated the Provisional Regulation of the People’s Republic of China on Value-Added Tax, which became effective on January 1, 1994 and amended on February 6, 2016 and November 19, 2017, respectively, and is currently effective in China. According to this provisional regulation, VAT should be paid by enterprises or individuals who sell merchandise or labor services of processing, repairing or assembling services, or import goods within PRC on the added value derived from their production and/or services. 86 Based on the categories of taxable goods and services, different flat rates are adopted ranging from zero to 17%. We also conduct product promotional activities for certain brands on our platform. Prior to January 1, 2012, pursuant to Provisional Regulation of China on Business Tax which was abolished on November 19, 2017 and its implementing rules, any entity or individual rendering services in the PRC territory is generally subject to a business tax at the rate of 5% on the revenues generated from provision of such services. In November 2011, MOF and SAT jointly issued two circulars setting out the details of the VAT Pilot Program, which change business tax to VAT for certain industries, including, among others, transportation services, research and development and technical services, information technology services, and cultural and creative services. The VAT Pilot Program initially applied only to these industries in Shanghai, and expanded to eight additional provinces, including Beijing, Tianjin, Zhejiang Province (including Ningbo), Anhui Province, Guangdong Province (including Shenzhen), Fujian Province (including Xiamen), Hubei Province and Jiangsu province, in 2012. On May 24, 2013, MOF and SAT jointly issued SAT Circular 37, which expanded the VAT Pilot Program nationwide as of August 1, 2013. On December 12, 2013, MOF and SAT promulgated SAT Circular 106, which replaced SAT Circular 37 and expanded the VAT Pilot Program to also cover railway transport industry and postal service industry nationwide as of January 1, 2014, in addition to those industries covered under SAT Circular 37. On April 29, 2014, MOF and SAT issued the Circular on the Inclusion of Telecommunications Industry in the Pilot Collection of Value-Added Tax in Lieu of Business Tax, or the SAT Circular 43, expanding the VAT Pilot Program to also cover telecommunications industry nationwide as of June 1, 2014. On March 23, 2016, MOF and SAT issued the Circular on Comprehensively Promoting the Pilot Program of the Collection of Value-Added Tax in Lieu of Business Tax, or the SAT Circular 36, replacing SAT Circular 106 and SAT Circular 43. Effective from May 1, 2016, the PRC tax authorities will collect VAT in lieu of business tax on a trial basis within the PRC territory, and in industries such as construction industries, real estate industries, financial industries, and living service industries. On November 19, 2017, the State Council issued the Decision on Abolishing the Provisional Regulation of China on Business Tax and Amending the Provisional Regulation of China on Value-added Tax, pursuant to which, PRC tax authorities will collect VAT in lieu of business tax for all industries which should have been collected business tax within the PRC territory. Pursuant to the Provisional Regulation of China on Value-added Tax, as amended in 2017, entities and individuals that sell goods, provide labor services of processing, repairs or maintenance, or sell services, intangible assets or real property in China, or import goods to China, shall be subject to VAT with a VAT rate ranging from 6% to 17%. On March 28, 2018, the State Council made a decision on its executive meetings that, effective from May 1, 2018, the VAT rate of manufacturing industry will be decreased from 17% to 16%, and the VAT rate of transportation services, construction services, basic telecommunications services and agricultural goods will be decreased from 11% to 10%. As of December 31, 2016, and 2017, we had VAT receivable of approximately RMB555.9 million and RMB791.2 million (US$121.6 million), respectively. VAT receivable occurs due to timing difference on operation of certain entities, as we record the revenue and VAT output when goods are delivered, but VAT input invoice from suppliers may be delayed. We also had VAT tax payable of RMB258.2 million and RMB525.9 (US$80.8 million), as of December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively, included as other tax payable. We do not net off VAT receivable and payable from different entities within our group companies. For more information on PRC tax regulations, see ‘‘Item 4.B. Information on the Company— Regulation—Regulations on Tax’’ and ‘‘Item 10.E. Additional Information—Taxation—People’s Republic of China Taxation.’’ 87 Critical Accounting Policies We prepare our financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP, which requires us to make judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect our reported amount of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements, and reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting periods. We continually evaluate these estimates and assumptions based on the most recently available information, our own historical experience and various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Since the use of estimates is an integral component of the financial reporting process, actual results could differ from our expectations as a result of changes in our estimates. An accounting policy is considered critical if it requires an accounting estimate to be made based on assumptions about matters that are highly uncertain at the time such estimate is made and if different accounting estimates that reasonably could have been used, or changes in the accounting estimates that are reasonably likely to occur, could materially impact the consolidated financial statements. We believe that the following accounting policies involve a higher degree of judgment and complexity in their application and require us to make significant accounting estimates. Significant accounting estimates reflected in our financial statements include inventory write-down, valuation of goodwill and intangible assets acquired in the business acquisitions, valuation of significant other investments impairment assessment and valuation of receivables from consumer financing. Changes in facts and circumstances may result in revised estimates. The following descriptions of critical accounting policies, judgments and estimates should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and other disclosures included in this annual report. Revenue recognition We recognize revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, products are delivered, the price to the buyer is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. We utilize in-house and external delivery service providers to deliver goods to our customers directly from our own warehouses. We estimate and defer revenue and the related product costs that are in-transit to the customer, which generally took about two days in 2015, 2016 and 2017. The delivery day estimate was determined based on the average delivery days for sales made during the last month of the reporting period, derived from customer locations and delivery reports. A one-day change in the estimated good in-transit period would result in an increase or decrease of approximately RMB196.3 million (US$30.2 million) to our total net revenues in 2017. We offer our customers an unconditional right of return for a period of seven days on sales from our platforms upon receipt of products. We defer sales revenue from vip.com portals until the return period expires as we cannot reasonably estimate the amount of expected returns. We recognize sales revenue from lefeng.com portals when products are delivered to customers because historical returns on sales from lefeng.com are insignificant. Revenue was recorded net of surcharges and VAT of gross sales. Surcharges are taxes relating to the sales, representing the city maintenance and construction tax and education surtax. We recorded revenue on a gross basis. We met the following indicators for gross reporting: (i) we are the primary obligor of the sales arrangements and are subject to inventory risks of physical loss; (ii) we have latitude in establishing prices; (iii) we have discretion in suppliers’ selection and assumes credit risks on receivables from customers. Discount coupons and membership reward program We voluntarily provide discount coupons through certain cooperative websites or through public distributions during our marketing activities. These coupons are not related to prior purchases, and can only be utilized in conjunction with subsequent purchases on our platform. These discount coupons are recorded as reduction of revenues at the time of use. 88 Prior to 2015, we had a membership reward program wherein our customers earn one point for each Renminbi spent on our Vipshop Online Platform. Membership reward points can be either exchanged into coupons to be used in connection with subsequent purchases, or exchanged into free gifts. The expiry dates of these reward points vary based on different individual promotional programs, while the coupons expire three months after redemption. We accrued liabilities for the estimated value of the points earned and expected to be redeemed, which are based on all outstanding reward points related to prior purchases at the end of each reporting period prior to 2014, as we did not have sufficient historical data to reasonably estimate the usage rate of these reward points. Starting from 2014, we derecognize the deferred revenue liability and recognize revenue based on an estimated breakage rate as we have sufficient historical data to reasonably estimate the usage rate of these reward points. All reward points expired as of December 31, 2015. On January 1, 2015, we introduced a new membership reward program, or the 2015 Reward Program, under which we grant Weipin Coin to customers when they purchase goods from vip.com portals, with up to two Weipin Coins granted for two Renminbi spent on purchases, depending on the applicable membership class. Weipin Coin can either be redeemed into coupons to be applied on subsequent purchases, or directly offset against payments for subsequent purchases. We accrued liabilities for the estimated value of the Weipin Coins released for redemption, which was based on all outstanding reward points related to prior purchases at the end of each reporting period, as we do not have sufficient historical data to reasonably estimate the usage rate of these new reward points. Other than the Super VIP program, we do not charge any membership fees to our registered members. New members who register on our Vipshop Online Platform or existing members who introduce new members to us are granted free Weipin Coins, which can be used to offset against payments for future purchases. These Weipin Coins are not related to prior purchases and are recorded as reduction of revenues at the time of use. In June 2017, in addition to the original membership, we also launched a paid membership program called Super VIP, to further enhance customer service and increase customer stickiness. With promotional membership fee from RMB99 to RMB149 according to different level membership per year at trial stage, customers can enjoy privileges including free delivery service, extra membership points and privileged access to certain products. The revenue related to the membership fee is amortized over the life of the membership. As of December 31, 2016 and 2017, we recorded deferred revenue related to reward points earned from prior purchases of RMB117.6 million and RMB138.9 million (US$21.3 million), respectively. Credit sales and amounts collected by external delivery service providers but not yet remitted to us are classified as accounts receivable on the consolidated balance sheets. Payments received in advance of delivery and unused prepaid card credits are classified as advances from customers. Revenues include fees charged to customers for shipping and handling expenses. We incur expenses or pay a fee to the in-house and external delivery service providers, respectively, and records such expenses and fee as shipping and handling expenses. Inventory write-down Inventory was previously stated at the lower of cost or market before 2016. We adopted ASU 2015-11, Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory and applied this ASU prospectively starting from 2016. Upon adoption of this accounting guidance, inventory is stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost of inventory is determined using the weighted average cost method. Net realizable value is the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of disposal and transportation. Adjustments are recorded to write-down the cost of inventory to the estimated net realizable value for slow-moving merchandise and damaged goods. The amount of write-down is also dependent upon factors such as whether the goods are 89 returnable to vendors, inventory aging, historical and forecasted consumer demand, and promotional environment. We assess the inventory write-down based on different product categories and applies a certain percentages based on aging. Our company classifies all goods into the following two categories: non-returnable goods and returnable goods. Non-returnable Goods cannot be returned to suppliers and general inventory write-down of different percentages are applied to these goods within the different aging categories. These percentages were developed based on historical write-down on these different types of goods. In addition to general write-down, specific write-down will also be applied to non-returnable goods if assessed to be needed based on the factors mentioned above. Returnable goods will have no general write-down based on aging but specific write-down will be made at the end of each reporting periods based on forecast sales, conditions of the goods and planned promotions. Write-down are recorded in cost of revenues in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. Accounts receivable from consumer financing business Accounts receivable from consumer financing are stated at the historical carrying amount net of allowance for uncollectible accounts. We establish an allowance for uncollectible accounts receivable based on our best estimates after considering our historical experience and other factors surrounding the credit risk of specific customers. Uncollectible accounts receivable are written off when a settlement is reached for an amount that is less than the outstanding historical balance or when we have determined the balance will not be collected. Judgement is required to determine the allowance amounts by reference to the aging analysis by past due date and whether such amounts are adequate to cover potential bad debts, and periodic reviews are performed to ensure such amounts continue to reflect the best estimates of the losses inherent in the outstanding portfolio of loans. We recorded the allowance for the uncollectible accounts receivable in the amount of RMB43.6 million and RMB121.8 million (US$18.7 million) in relation to receivables from consumer financing business as of December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively. If the conditions underlying these estimates change significantly in the future, the amount of the allowance for doubtful accounts will also change accordingly. Intangible assets with indefinite lives Intangible assets with indefinite lives represent the purchase price of the payment license in a business combination in 2016. The payment license was determined to have an indefinite life. In determining its indefinite life, we considered the following: the expected use of the intangible; the longevity of the license; the legal, regulatory and contractual provisions that affect their maximum useful life; our ability to renew or extend the asset’s legal or contractual life without substantial costs; effects of the regulatory environment; maintenance expenditures required to obtain the expected future cash flows from the asset; and considerations for obsolescence, demand, competition and other economic factors. Intangible assets with indefinite lives is not amortized but is tested for impairment on an annual basis as of December 31, and in between annual tests when an event occurs or circumstances change that could indicate that the asset might be impaired. In 2016 and 2017, we have conducted the qualitative impairment test and the qualitative assessment indicated that it was more likely than not that our indefinite lived intangible assets are not impaired. 90 Goodwill Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the identifiable assets and liabilities acquired in a business combination. Goodwill is not depreciated or amortized but is tested for impairment as of December 31 on an annual basis, and in between annual tests when an event occurs or circumstances change that could indicate that the asset might be impaired. In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (‘‘ASC’’) 350-20 ‘‘Goodwill,’’ we first have the option to assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If we determine, as a result of our qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the performance of the two-step quantitative impairment test is mandatory. Otherwise, no further testing is required. The quantitative impairment test compares the fair value of each reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the carrying amount of each reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss equal to the difference between the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill and the carrying amount of goodwill will be recorded. Application of a goodwill impairment test requires significant management judgment, including identifying reporting units, assigning assets, liabilities and goodwill to each reporting unit, assigning goodwill to reporting units, and determining the fair value of each reporting unit. The fair value of each reporting unit is determined by analysis of discounted cash flows. The significant assumptions regarding the reporting unit’s future operating performance are revenue growth rates, costs of goods and operating expenses growth rates, discount rates and terminal values. Changes in these estimates and assumptions could materially affect the determination of fair value for each reporting unit. In 2015, we conducted step one of the quantitative impairment test to compare the carrying value of the reporting unit, including assigned goodwill, to its respective fair value. The fair value of the reporting unit was estimated pursuant to the income approach. Based on the quantitative test, it was determined that the fair value of the reporting unit tested exceeded its carrying amount and, therefore, step two of the two-step goodwill impairment test was not required. Our management concluded that goodwill was not impaired as of December 31, 2015. In 2016 and 2017, we have conducted the qualitative impairment test to compare the carrying value of the reporting units, including assigned goodwill, to its respective fair value. Based on the qualitative impairment assessment, it was determined that it is more likely than not the fair values of the reporting units tested exceeded their carrying amounts and, therefore a quantitative impairment test for goodwill was not required. We concluded that goodwill was not impaired as of December 31, 2016 and 2017. Recent Accounting Pronouncements ASU 2014-09 In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (‘‘FASB’’) issued, ASU 2014-09, ‘‘Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606),’’ which supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in ASC 605, Revenue Recognition. The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The accounting guidance also requires additional disclosure regarding the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfil a contract. ASU 2014-09 can be adopted using one of two retrospective application methods. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, ‘‘Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), Deferral of the 91 Effective Date,’’ which defers the effective date of ASU 2014-09 by one year, to fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods therein. Additionally, the FASB issued the following various updates affecting the guidance in ASU 2014-09. The effective dates and transition requirements are the same as those in ASC Topic 606 above. In March 2016, FASB issued an amendment to the standard, ASU 2016-08, ‘‘Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Principal versus Agent Considerations’’ Under the amendment, an entity is required to determine whether the nature of its promise is to provide the specified good or service itself (that is, the entity is a principal) or to arrange for that good or service to be provided by the other party (as an agent). In April 2016, FASB issued ASU 2016-10, ‘‘Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing,’’ to clarify identifying performance obligations and the licensing implementation guidance, which retaining the related principles for those areas. In May 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-12, ‘‘Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients.’’ This update addresses narrow-scope improvements to the guidance on collectability, noncash consideration and completed contracts at transition. The update provides a practical expedient for contract modifications at transition and an accounting policy election related to the presentation of sales taxes and other similar taxes collected from customers. Then, in December 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-20, ‘‘Technical Corrections and Improvements to Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers.’’ The updates in ASU 2016-20 affect narrow aspects of the guidance issued in ASU 2014-09. We adopted the ASUs on January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective approach with a cumulative adjustment that changes retained earnings rather than a full retrospective approach that retrospectively adjusts prior periods. We analyzed the impact of ASU 2014-09 and the related ASUs across all revenue streams to evaluate the impact of the new standard on revenue contracts. This included reviewing current accounting policies and practices to identify potential differences that would result from applying the requirements under the new standard. We substantially completed contract reviews and validated the results of applying the new revenue guidance. In addition to the enhanced footnote disclosures related to customer contracts, we anticipate that the most significant impact of the new standard will relate to the timing of revenue recognition for product sales contracts. In addition, ASC 606 is expected to change our accounting for Weipin Coins. The adoption of ASC 606 is not expected to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements. Product Revenue Recognition We offer customers with an unconditional right of return for a period of 7 days upon receipt of products on sales from our platforms. We expect that the application of these ASUs will result in an earlier recognition of sales of goods at the point of time when the control of goods has been passed to the customers, with an adjustment of estimated returns that we expect to be probable as significant reversal will not occur when the uncertainty associated with expected returns is resolved at the end of the 7 days return period. Weipin Coins We also change our policy on how Weipin Coins are recognized. Weipin Coins were previously accrued as deferred revenue for the estimated value earned and expected to be redeemed based on all outstanding reward points related to prior purchases at the end of each reporting period. Upon adoption of the ASUs, Weipin Coins is accounted for as a single performance obligation and identified as variable consideration. We will estimate the standalone selling price of the reward points on the basis of the likelihood of redemption and allocate the transaction price to the product and the reward points on a relative standalone selling price basis. 92 Other Revenue Streams We derive other revenue from (i) fees charged to third-party merchants for which we provides platform access for sales of their products, (ii) logistic services to external customers, (iii) promotion activities for certain brands on our website, and (iv) inventory and warehouse management services to certain suppliers. Aggregate revenue under these arrangement is less than 5% of consolidated revenues. Based on the completed analysis, we do not anticipate that the adoption of ASC 606 will have a material impact on these revenue streams. ASU 2016-01 In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, ‘‘Financial Instruments-Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities’’ (‘‘ASU 2016-01’’), which requires that equity investments, except for those accounted for under the equity method or those that result in consolidation of the investee, be measured at fair value, with subsequent changes in fair value recognized in net income. However, an entity may choose to measure equity investments that do not have readily determinable fair values at cost minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or a similar investment of the same issuer. ASU 2016-01 also impacts the presentation and disclosure requirements for financial instruments. ASU 2016-01 is effective for public business entities for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted only for certain provisions. The guidance should be applied prospectively upon its effective date. We adopted this ASU beginning on January 1, 2018, and based on the our equity investments as of December 31, 2017, the application of ASU 2016-01 may result in the our cost method investments to be measured at fair value, with subsequent changes in fair value recognized in net income. We also expect that we may elect to measure certain equity investments that do not have readily determinable fair values at cost minus impairment, with appropriate adjustments resulting from observable price changes in orderly and comparable transactions, if any. ASU 2016-02 In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, ‘‘Leases (Topic 842),’’ which requires lessees to recognize most leases on the balance sheet. This ASU requires lessees to recognize a right-of-use asset and lease liability for all leases with terms of more than 12 months. Lessees are permitted to make an accounting policy election to not recognize the asset and liability for leases with a term of twelve months or less. The ASU does not significantly change the lessees’ recognition, measurement and presentation of expenses and cash flows from the previous accounting standard. Lessors’ accounting under the ASC is largely unchanged from the previous accounting standard. In addition, the ASU expands the disclosure requirements of lease arrangements. Lessees and lessors will use a modified retrospective transition approach, which includes a number of practical expedients. The provisions of this guidance are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those years, with early adoption permitted. Upon the application of this ASU, in respect of the non-cancellable operating lease commitments in which we are a leasee, we expect to recognize a right-of-use asset and a corresponding liability in respect of all these leases unless they qualify for low value or short-term leases. ASU 2016-13 In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, ‘‘Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments’’ which is intended to improve financial reporting by requiring timelier recording of credit losses on loans and other financial instruments held by financial institutions and other organizations. The ASU requires the measurement of all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current 93 conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Financial institutions and other organizations will now use forward-looking information to better inform their credit loss estimates. Many of the loss estimation techniques applied today will still be permitted, although the inputs to those techniques will change to reflect the full amount of expected credit losses. Organizations will continue to use judgment to determine which loss estimation method is appropriate for their circumstances. The ASU requires enhanced disclosures to help investors and other financial statement users better understand significant estimates and judgments used in estimating credit losses, as well as the credit quality and underwriting standards of an organization’s portfolio. These disclosures include qualitative and quantitative requirements that provide additional information about the amounts recorded in the financial statements. In addition, the ASU amends the accounting for credit losses on available-for-sale debt securities and purchased financial assets with credit deterioration. The ASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. Based on our financial instruments and risk management policies as of December 31, 2017, application of this ASU in the future may have impact on the measurement of our financial assets. The expected credit loss model may result in earlier provision of credit losses which are not yet incurred in relation to our financial assets measured at amortized cost. It should be noted that the above assessments were made based on an analysis of our financial assets and financial liabilities as of December 31, 2017 on the basis of the facts and circumstances that existed at that date. As facts and circumstances may change during the period leading up to the initial date of application of this ASU, the assessment of the potential impact is subject to change. ASU 2016-15 In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, ‘‘Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments.’’ The new guidance is intended to reduce diversity in practice in how certain transactions are classified in the statement of cash flows. This update requires that debt prepayments or debt extinguishment costs be classified as cash outflows for financing activities and provides additional classification guidance for the statement of cash flows. The update also requires that the classification of cash receipts and payments that have aspects of more than one class of cash flows to be determined by applying specific guidance under generally accepted accounting principles. The update also requires that each separately identifiable source or use within the cash receipts and payments be classified on the basis of their nature in financing, investing or operating activities. The update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. This guidance will be adopted retrospectively by us to all periods presented. We do not anticipate that the adoption of ASU 2016-15 will have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements. ASU 2016-16 In October 2016, FASB issued ASU 2016-16, ‘‘Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory.’’ Current U.S. GAAP prohibits the recognition of current and deferred income taxes for an intra-entity asset transfer until the asset has been sold to an outside party. Under the new standard, an entity is to recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory when the transfer occurs. The new standard does not include new disclosure requirements; however, existing disclosure requirements might be applicable when accounting for the current and deferred income taxes for an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory. The new standard is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods within those annual periods. This guidance will be applied on a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative-effect adjustment directly to retained earnings as of the beginning of the period of adoption. We do not anticipate that the adoption of ASU 2016-16 will have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements. 94 ASU 2016-18 In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, ‘‘Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash,’’ which amends ASC 230 to clarify guidance and presentation related to restricted cash in the consolidated statements of cash flows as well as increased disclosure requirements. This update requires beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statements of cash flows to include cash and cash equivalents as well as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents. The update is effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. We early adopted this ASU from the year ended December 31, 2017, using the retrospective transition approach. ASU 2017-01 In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, ‘‘Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business.’’ The update affects all companies and other reporting organizations that must determine whether they have acquired or sold a business. The definition of a business affects many areas of accounting including acquisitions, disposals, goodwill, and consolidation. The update is intended to help companies and other organizations evaluate whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. The update provides a more robust framework to use in determining when a set of assets and activities is a business, and also provides more consistency in applying the guidance, reduce the costs of application, and make the definition of a business more operable. The update is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those periods. The guidance should be applied prospectively upon its effective date. The effect of ASU 2017-01 on the consolidated financial statements will be dependent on any future acquisitions. ASU 2017-04 In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, ‘‘Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment.’’ The update simplifies the subsequent measurement of goodwill by eliminating Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. The annual, or interim, goodwill impairment test is performed by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. An impairment charge should be recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value. The update also eliminates the requirements for any reporting unit with a zero or negative carrying amount to perform a qualitative assessment and, if it fails that qualitative test, to perform Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test. An entity still has the option to perform the qualitative assessment for a reporting unit to determine if the quantitative impairment test is necessary. The update should be applied on a prospective basis. The nature of and reason for the change in accounting principle should be disclosed upon transition. The update is effective for any annual or interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. The guidance should be applied prospectively upon its effective date. We do not anticipate that the adoption of ASU 2017-04 will have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements. ASU 2017-09 In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-09, ‘‘Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope of Modification Accounting.’’ The ASU provides guidance on the types of changes to the terms or conditions of share-based payment awards to which an entity would be required to apply modification accounting under ASC 718. Specifically, an entity would not apply modification accounting if the fair value, vesting conditions, and classification of the awards are the same immediately before and after the modification. For all entities, the ASU is effective for annual reporting periods, including 95 interim periods within those annual reporting periods, beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in any interim period. We do not anticipate that the adoption of ASU 2017-09 will have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements. ASU 2017-14 In November 2017, the FASB issued a new pronouncement, ASU 2017-14, which amends the Codification to incorporate SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) No. 116 and SEC Interpretive Release on Vaccines for Federal Government Stockpiles (SEC Release No. 33-10403) that bring existing SEC staff guidance into conformity with the FASB’s adoption of and amendments to ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The SEC issued SAB 116 to bring existing SEC staff guidance into conformity with the FASB’s adoption of and amendments to ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The SAB modified SAB Topic 13, Revenue Recognition, SAB Topic 8, Retail Companies, and Section A, Operating-Differential Subsidies, of SAB Topic 11, Miscellaneous Disclosure. SEC Interpretive Release on Vaccines for Federal Government Stockpiles (SEC Release No. 33-10403) was issued to update its 2005 Commission Guidance Regarding Accounting for Sales of Vaccines and Bioterror Countermeasures to the Federal Government for Placement into the Pediatric Vaccine Stockpile or the Strategic National Stockpile. For all entities, the ASU is effective upon adoption of ASC 606, Revenue From Contracts with Customers. Inflation Inflation in China has not historically materially impacted our results of operations. According to the National Bureau of Statistics of China, the year-over-year percent changes in the consumer price index for December 2015, 2016 and 2017 in China were increases of 1.6%, 2.1% and 1.8%, respectively. Although we have not been materially affected by inflation since our inception, we cannot assure you that we will not be affected in the future by higher rates of inflation in China. Results of Operations The following table sets forth a summary of our consolidated results of operations for the periods indicated, both in absolute amounts and as percentages of our net revenues. This information should be read together with our consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this 96 annual report. The results of operations in any period are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any future period. For the Year Ended December 31, 2015 2016 2017 RMB’000 % RMB’000 % RMB’000 US$’000 % Product revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39,409,961 793,251 98.0 2.0 55,281,900 1,309,402 97.7 2.3 71,171,653 10,938,883 267,535 1,740,660 97.6 2.4 Total net revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cost of revenues(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72,912,313 11,206,418 100.0 40,203,212 100.0 (30,306,723) (75.4) (42,994,688) (76.0) (56,618,471) (8,702,100) (77.7) 56,591,302 100.0 Gross profit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Operating expenses(2) Fulfillment expenses(3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marketing expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Technology and content expenses . . . . . . General and administrative expenses . . . . Total operating expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . Other operating income . . . . . . . . . . . . 9,896,489 24.6 13,596,614 24.0 16,293,842 2,504,318 22.3 (3,667,031) (2,089,348) (1,076,520) (1,301,472) (9.1) (5.2) (2.7) (3.2) (4,904,526) (2,837,680) (1,563,582) (1,941,146) (8.7) (5.0) (2.8) (3.4) (6,899,654) (1,060,457) (457,806) (2,978,621) (277,954) (1,808,452) (376,208) (2,447,724) (9.5) (4.1) (2.5) (3.3) (8,134,371) (20.2) (11,246,934) (19.9) (14,134,451) (2,172,425) (19.4) 0.8 0.6 308,431 358,029 531,055 81,622 0.8 Income from operations . . . . . . . . . . . . Impairment loss of investments . . . . . . . Interest expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Interest income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Exchange (loss) gain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,070,549 (99,749) (85,762) 267,208 (101,726) 5.2 (0.3) (0.2) 0.7 (0.3) 2,707,709 (114,574) (85,195) 107,044 51,100 4.8 (0.2) (0.2) 0.2 0.1 2,690,446 (133,026) (82,435) 101,125 (90,872) 413,515 (20,446) (12,670) 15,543 (13,967) 3.7 (0.2) (0.1) 0.1 (0.1) Gain on disposal of an investment Income before income tax and share of . . . . . loss of affiliates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Income tax expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Share of loss of affiliates . . . . . . . . . . . . Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net loss attributable to non-controlling — — — — 55,615 8,548 0.1 2,050,520 (457,745) (84,063) 5.1 (1.1) (0.2) 2,666,084 (601,828) (71,489) 4.7 (1.1) (0.1) 2,540,853 (626,140) (22,280) 390,523 (96,236) (3,424) 3.5 (0.9) (0.0) 1,508,712 3.8 1,992,767 3.5 1,892,433 290,863 interests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (80,953) (0.2) (44,050) (0.1) 57,222 8,795 Net income attributable to ordinary shareholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,589,665 4.0 2,036,817 3.6 1,949,655 299,658 (1) Excluding shipping and handling expenses, and including inventory write-down which amounted to RMB293.9 million, RMB303.2 million, and RMB206.7 million (US$31.8 million) in the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016, and 2017, respectively. (2) Including share-based compensation expenses as set forth below: 2.6 0.1 2.7 For the year ended December 31, 2015 2016 2017 RMB’000 RMB’000 RMB’000 US$’000 Allocation of share-based compensation expenses* Fulfillment expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marketing expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Technology and content expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . General and administrative expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (18,665) (19,938) (126,274) (138,064) (38,428) (38,459) (183,122) (215,644) (73,235) (40,364) (206,073) (347,426) (11,256) (6,204) (31,673) (53,398) Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (302,941) (475,653) (667,098) (102,531) * The share-based compensation expenses for 2015 included RMB302.9 million share-based compensation expenses in connection with share options and non-vested shares granted to our executive officers, 97 independent directors and employees. The unrecognized share-based compensation expenses related to share options and non-vested shares were RMB6.9 million and RMB914.0 million, and were expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.02 years and 2.97 years on a straight-line basis as of December 31, 2015, respectively. The share-based compensation expenses for 2016 included RMB475.7 million share-based compensation expenses in connection with share options and non-vested shares granted to our executive officers, independent directors and employees. The unrecognized share- based compensation expenses related to share options and non-vested shares were RMB243 thousand and RMB1.24 billion, and were expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 0.25 years and 4 years on a straight-line basis as of December 31, 2016, respectively. The share-based compensation expenses for 2017 included RMB667.1 million (US$102.5 million) share-based compensation expenses in connection with share options and non-vested shares granted to our executive officers, independent directors and employees. The unrecognized share-based compensation expenses related to share options and non-vested shares were RMB162.9 million (US$25.0 million) and RMB1.43 billion (US$220.2 million), and were expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 3 year and 2.72 years on a straight-line basis as of December 31, 2017, respectively. See ‘‘Item 5.A. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Operating Results—Critical Accounting Policies—Share-based compensation’’ for details. (3) Including shipping and handling expenses, which amounted to RMB1.71 billion, RMB2.58 billion, and RMB3.83 billion (US$588.7 million) in the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016, and 2017, respectively. Segment Information We historically had only one reporting segment. In 2017, we adjusted our reporting segmentation in light of the development of our Internet finance business. We currently report our results of operations in two segments, namely Vip.com and Internet finance business. Vip.com represents our e-commerce business, while the Internet finance businesses mainly include consumer financing, supplier financing, and wealth management services. Accordingly, we updated the presentation of the reportable segments for preceding years to conform to the presentation of the current year. The table below provides a summary of our operating segment results for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016, and 2017: For the Year Ended December 31, 2015 RMB 2016 RMB 2017 RMB Net revenues Vip.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Internet finance business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inter-segment revenues(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40,141,216 61,996 — 56,552,877 114,735 (76,310) 72,817,634 249,726 (155,047) Total consolidated net revenues . . . . . . . . . . . 40,203,212 56,591,302 72,912,313 Income (loss) from operations Vip.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Internet finance business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Unallocated expenses(2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,632,643 5,689 (567,783) 3,665,649 (172,750) (785,190) 4,063,238 (366,025) (1,006,767) Total consolidated income from operations . . . 2,070,549 2,707,709 2,690,446 (1) Inter-segment revenues mainly consist of payment processing and financing services provided by the Internet finance business to Vip.com. (2) Unallocated expenses include share-based compensation and amortization of intangible assets resulting from business acquisitions, which are not allocated to segments. 98 We have two operating segments, namely Vip.com and Internet finance business, for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017. The results of operations of our Internet finance business are summarized as follows. Net Revenues. Net revenues from our Internet finance business increased from RMB62.0 million in 2015 to RMB114.7 million and RMB249.7 million (US$38.4 million) in 2016 and 2017, respectively, primarily due to an increase in our sales volume with payment processing and financing services provided by the Internet finance business, and our developing consumer financing and supplier financing business. Operating expenses. Operating expenses mainly consist of compensation and benefits of our staff, provision for allowance for consumer financing, and interest expense. Our compensation and benefits increased from RMB24.6 million in 2015 to RMB116.5 million and RMB221.0 million (US$34.0 million) in 2016 and 2017, respectively, primarily due to the expansion of the Internet finance and increasing staffing demand. Provision for allowance for consumer financing was nil in 2015, and increased to RMB43.6 million and RMB121.8 million (US$18.7 million) in 2016 and 2017, respectively, which is in line with the expansion of consumer financing business. Interest expense was nil in 2015, and increased to RMB29.4 million and RMB121.8 million (US$18.7 million) in 2016 and 2017, respectively, primarily due to an increase in intra-group funding to support the Internet financing business. Our Vip.com segment contributes to a significant majority of our results of operations which are compared and analyzed on a year-on-year basis as follows. Comparison of 2016 and 2017 Net Revenues. Our total net revenues increased from RMB56.59 billion in 2016 to RMB72.91 billion (US$11.21 billion) in 2017, primarily due to an increase in the number of active customers and total orders. The number of our active customers increased significantly from 52.1 million in 2016 to 57.8 million in 2017. The number of our total orders increased from 269.8 million in 2016 to 335.0 million in 2017, primarily due to an increase in the number of active customers during the period, which in turn was primarily due to overall growth in the industry, our further optimized product selection, and enhancement of our warehousing capabilities, merchandising, and IT infrastructures. Through our five regional logistics hubs, we were able to continue tailoring our product offerings to regional customer demographics and offer additional sales events and SKUs in 2017. 95.1% of the total orders we fulfilled in 2017 were placed by repeat customers, as compared to 93.6% in 2016. Cost of Revenues. Our cost of revenues increased from RMB42.99 billion in 2016 to RMB56.62 billion (US$8.70 billion), primarily due to a significant increase in products procured from our brand partners in line with our significantly higher sales volume. We recorded RMB303.2 million and RMB206.7 million (US$31.8 million) in inventory write-down in 2016 and 2017, respectively. In addition, inventory write-down as a percentage of costs of goods sold, was 0.7% in 2016 and 0.4% in 2017. Such write-down primarily reflected the estimated market value of damaged or obsolete inventory. The decrease in write-down from 2016 to 2017 was as a result of improving inventory management. The primary reason for the decrease in percentage of costs of goods sold was the significant increase in our sales volume. The amount we write down is calculated based on factors such as whether the goods are returnable to vendors, inventory aging, damages, historical and forecast consumer demand, and the 99 promotional environment. We assess the inventory write-down based on different product categories and apply a certain percentage based on aging. We classify all goods into the following two categories: (cid:127) Non-returnable Goods. These goods cannot be returned to suppliers and general inventory write-down of different percentages are applied to these goods within the different aging categories. These percentages were developed based on historical write-down on these different types of goods. In addition to general write-down, specific write-down will also be applied to non-returnable goods if assessed to be needed based on the factors mentioned above. (cid:127) Returnable Goods. Returnable goods will have no general write-down based on aging, but a specific write-down will be made at the end of each reporting period based on forecast sales, conditions of the goods and planned promotions. Gross Profit and Gross Margin. As a result of the foregoing, our gross profit increased from RMB13.60 billion in 2016 to RMB16.29 billion (US$2.50 billion) in 2017. Our gross margin decreased from 24.0% in 2016 to 22.3% in 2017, primarily due to the increasing promotional activities and sales to drive growth of users and orders via our platform. Operating Expenses. Our operating expenses increased from RMB11.25 billion in 2016 to RMB14.13 billion (US$2.17 billion) in 2017, primarily due to the following factors: (cid:127) Fulfillment expenses. Our fulfillment expenses increased from RMB4.90 billion in 2016 to RMB6.90 billion (US$1.1 billion) in 2017. Shipping and handling expenses, the largest component of our fulfillment expenses during these periods, increased from RMB2.58 billion in 2016 to RMB3.83 billion (US$588.7 million) in 2017. These increases were primarily due to an significant increase in our sales volume and the number of orders fulfilled, higher staff compensation and benefits and increase in rental expenses and depreciation expenses in connection with our expanded warehouse facilities. In 2017, we fulfilled over 335.0 million customer orders, as compared to approximately 269.8 million customer orders in 2016. Our fulfillment expenses as a percentage of our total net revenues increased from 8.7% in 2016 to 9.5% in 2017, primarily due to a significant increase in fulfillment expenses in expanded logistics network and warehouse facilities over the growth in total net revenues. Throughout 2017, we continued to utilize the regional logistics hubs in Guangdong Province, Jiangsu Province, Sichuan Province, Tianjin, and Hubei Province. In addition, our regional logistics hubs enabled us to rely more on quality regional and local couriers, which generally have lower average delivery charges than national delivery companies. (cid:127) Marketing expenses. Our marketing expenses increased from RMB2.84 billion in 2016 to RMB2.98 billion (US$457.8 million) in 2017, primarily attributable to our increased marketing and brand promotion activities. On the other hand, our marketing expenses as a percentage of our total net revenues decreased from 5.0% in 2016 to 4.1% in 2017, primarily due to our strategic balance between promotional activities and sales with our broader marketing efforts. (cid:127) Technology and content expenses. Our technology and content expenses increased from RMB1.56 billion in 2016 to RMB1.81 billion (US$278.0 million), primarily due to the headcount increase of our IT personnel in connection with our expansion of IT capacities and higher compensation and benefit. Our technology and content expenses also decreased from 2.8% to 2.5% as a percentage of our total net revenues during the same period, primarily due to scale effect associated with the rapid growth in total net revenue. (cid:127) General and administrative expenses. Our general and administrative expenses increased from RMB1.94 billion in 2016 to RMB2.45 billion (US$376.2 million) due to an increase in the scale of our business. Our general and administrative expenses as a percentage of our total net revenues remained stable at 3.4% in 2016 and 3.3% in 2017 during the same period. 100 Other Operating Income. Our other operating income amounted to RMB531.1 million (US$81.6 million) in 2017, as compared to RMB358.0 million in 2016. Our other operating income in 2017 was primarily due to income derived from government grants, tax rebates and ADR reimbursements. Impairment Loss of Investments. We incurred RMB133.0 million (US$20.4 million) impairment loss of investments in 2017, as compared to RMB114.6 million in 2016, which was primarily due to the loss of an available for sale investee and the loss of several cost method investees. We review the investments for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the investments may not be recoverable. Certain of our investments are in development stage companies whose success depends on factors including the ability of the investee companies to raise additional funds in financial markets that can be volatile and other key business factors, any of which may impact our ability to recover the investment. The other than temporary impairment recorded in 2017 in the amounts of RMB15.0 million (US$2.3 million) and RMB118.0 million (US$18.1 million) on the available-for-sale investments and cost method investments were due to sustained depression of either in the market price or the respective investees’ expected result of operation. Interest Expenses. We incurred RMB82.4 million (US$12.7 million) interest expenses in 2017, as compared to RMB85.2 million in 2016, primarily due to the net effect of the increase in interest expenses for the securitization debt and the short term loans and decrease in amortization of debt issuance cost of our convertible senior notes. Interest Income. Our interest income decreased from RMB107.0 million in 2016 to RMB101.1 million (US$15.5 million) in 2017 primarily due to the decrease of interest bearing investments, such as the deposits and held-to-maturity investments in the banks. Share of Loss of Affiliates. Our share of loss of affiliates decreased from RMB71.5 million in 2016 to RMB22.3 million (US$3.4 million), which was primarily due to the decrease of our share of losses of equity interest in Ovation from the amortization adjustment of basis difference between our investment cost and underlying equity in net assets of Ovation from the date of acquisition in February 2014. Net Income. As a result of the foregoing, we recorded a net income of RMB1.89 billion (US$290.9 million) in 2017, as compared to a net income of RMB1.99 billion in 2016. Net Loss Attributable to Non-controlling Interests. Our net loss attributable to non-controlling interests increased from RMB44.1 million in 2016 to RMB57.2 million (US$8.8 million) in 2017, which was primarily due to the decline in profitability for the non-wholly-owned logistic subsidiaries. Comparison of 2015 and 2016 Net Revenues. Our total net revenues increased from RMB40.20 billion in 2015 to RMB56.59 billion in 2016, primarily due to an increase in the number of active customers and total orders. The number of our active customers increased significantly from 36.6 million in 2015 to 52.1 million in 2016. The number of our total orders increased from 193.1 million in 2015 to 269.8 million in 2016, primarily due to an increase in the number of active customers during the period, which in turn was primarily due to the overall growth in the industry, our further optimized product selection, and enhancement of our warehousing capabilities and merchandising and IT infrastructures. Through our five regional logistics hubs, we were able to continue tailoring our product offerings to regional customer demographics and offer additional sales events and SKUs in 2016. 93.6% of the total orders we fulfilled in 2016 were placed by repeat customers, as compared to 93.9% in 2015. 101 Cost of Revenues. Our cost of revenues increased from RMB30.31 billion in 2015 to RMB42.99 billion in 2016, primarily due to a significant increase in products procured from our brand partners in line with our significantly higher sales volume. We recorded RMB293.9 million and RMB303.2 million in inventory write-down in 2015 and 2016, respectively. In addition, inventory write-down as a percentage of costs of goods sold, was 1.0% in 2015 and 0.7% in 2016. Such write-down primarily reflected the estimated market value of damaged or obsolete inventory. The increase in write-down from 2015 to 2016 was as a result of an increase in special sales promotion events in 2016 compared to 2015 due to more intensive competition in the market, as special sales promotions are more likely to result in write-down due to the significant discounts offered. The primary reason for the decrease in percentage of costs of goods sold was the significant increase in our sales volume. The amount we write down is calculated based on factors such as whether the goods are returnable to vendors, inventory aging, damages, historical and forecast consumer demand, and the promotional environment. We assess the inventory write-down based on different product categories and apply a certain percentage based on aging. We classify all goods into the following two categories: (cid:127) Non-returnable Goods. These goods cannot be returned to suppliers and general inventory write-down of different percentages are applied to these goods within the different aging categories. These percentages were developed based on historical write-down on these different types of goods. In addition to general write-down, specific write-down will also be applied to non-returnable goods if assessed to be needed based on the factors mentioned above. (cid:127) Returnable Goods. Returnable goods will have no general write-down based on aging, but a specific write-down will be made at the end of each reporting period based on forecast sales, conditions of the goods and planned promotions. Gross Profit and Gross Margin. As a result of the foregoing, our gross profit increased from RMB9.90 billion in 2015 to RMB13.60 billion in 2016. Our gross margin decreased from 24.6% in 2015 to 24.0% in 2016, primarily due to the increasing promotional activities and sales to drive growth of users and orders via our platform. Operating Expenses. Our operating expenses increased from RMB8.13 billion in 2015 to RMB11.25 billion in 2016, primarily due to the following factors: (cid:127) Fulfillment expenses. Our fulfillment expenses increased from RMB3.67 billion in 2015 to RMB4.90 billion in 2016. Shipping and handling expenses, the largest component of our fulfillment expenses during these periods, increased from RMB1.71 billion in 2015 to RMB2.58 billion in 2016. These increases were primarily due to a significant increase in our sales volume and the number of orders fulfilled, higher staff compensation and benefits, and an increase in rental expenses and depreciation expenses in connection with our expanded warehouse facilities. In 2016, we fulfilled over 269.8 million customer orders, as compared to 193.1 million customer orders in 2015. Our fulfillment expenses as a percentage of our total net revenues decreased from 9.1% in 2015 to 8.7% in 2016, primarily due to the scale effect associated with the rapid growth in total net revenues and improved efficiency of regional warehouses. Throughout 2016, we continued to utilize the regional logistics hubs in Guangdong Province, Jiangsu Province, Sichuan Province, Tianjin, and Hubei Province. In addition, our regional logistics hubs enabled us to rely more on quality regional and local couriers, which generally have lower average delivery charges than national delivery companies. (cid:127) Marketing expenses. Our marketing expenses increased from RMB2.09 billion in 2015 to RMB2.84 billion in 2016, primarily due to our increasing marketing and brand promotion activities. On the other hand, our marketing expenses as a percentage of our total net revenues 102 slightly decreased from 5.2% in 2015 to 5.0% in 2016, primarily due to our strategic balance between promotional activities and sales with our broader marketing efforts. (cid:127) Technology and content expenses. Our technology and content expenses increased from RMB1.08 billion in 2015 to RMB1.56 billion in 2016, primarily due to the headcount increase of our IT personnel in connection with our expansion of IT capacities and higher compensation and benefit. Our technology and content expenses also slightly increased from 2.7% to 2.8% as a percentage of our total net revenues during the same period, primarily due to our continuing efforts to invest in human capital, advanced technologies such as data analytics as well as new business opportunities including those in the Internet finance sector. (cid:127) General and administrative expenses. Our general and administrative expenses increased from RMB1.30 billion in 2015 to RMB1.94 billion in 2016 due to the increasing scale of our business. Our general and administrative expenses as a percentage of our total net revenues also slightly increased from 3.2% to 3.4% during the same period, primarily due to the build-out of our Internet finance team. Other Operating Income. Our other operating income amounted to RMB358.0 million in 2016, as compared to RMB308.4 million in 2015. Our other operating income in 2016 was primarily due to income derived from providing ancillary services to our suppliers, government grants and tax rebates. Impairment Loss of Investments. We incurred RMB114.6 million impairment loss of investments in 2016, as compared to RMB99.7 million in 2015, which was primarily due to the loss of an available-for-sale investee and the loss of a cost method investee. We review the investments for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the investments may not be recoverable. Certain of our investments are in development stage companies whose success depends on factors including the ability of the investee companies to raise additional funds in financial markets that can be volatile and other key business factors, any of which may impact our ability to recover the investment. The other than temporary impairment recorded in 2016 in the amount of RMB48.6 million on the available-for-sale investments was due to liquidation in relation to the main operation of an available-for-sale investee. The other than temporary impairment recorded in 2016 in the amounts of RMB65.9 million on the cost method investments was due to sustained depression of a cost method investee’s expected result of operations. Interest Expenses. We incurred RMB85.2 million interest expenses in 2016, as compared to RMB85.8 million in 2015, primarily due to the 2014 offering in connection with the 1.50% convertible senior notes due 2019. Interest Income. Our interest income decreased from RMB267.2 million in 2015 to RMB107.0 million in 2016, primarily due to a decrease of interest bearing investments, such as the short-term deposits and held-to-maturity investments in the banks. Share of Loss of Affiliates. Our share of loss of affiliates decreased from RMB84.1 million in 2015 to RMB71.5 million in 2016, which was primarily due to our share of losses of equity interest in Ovation, and the amortization adjustment of basis difference between our investment cost and underlying equity in net assets of Ovation from the date of acquisition in February 2014. Net Income. As a result of the foregoing, we recorded a net income of RMB1.99 billion in 2016, as compared to a net income of RMB1.51 billion in 2015. Net Loss Attributable to Non-controlling Interests. Our net loss attributable to non-controlling interests decreased from RMB81.0 million in 2015 to RMB44.1 million in 2016, which was primarily due to the loss attributable to 25% non-controlling interest holders of Lefeng from the date of acquisition of Lefeng. 103 B. Liquidity and Capital Resources As of December 31, 2016 and 2017, we had RMB4.11 billion and RMB10.22 billion (US$1.57 billion), respectively, in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash. We had held-to-maturity investments with an aggregate outstanding amount of RMB245.98 million (US$37.81 million) as of December 31, 2017. Our cash and cash equivalents primarily consist of cash on hand, short-term bank demand deposits and highly liquid investments with maturities of less than three months. In 2017, one of our subsidiaries operating our Internet finance business offered an aggregate amount of RMB800.0 million ABS, listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange in China. We plan to use this and any future ABS offerings in China to alleviate the dependence of our Internet finance business on our own cash flow. We also incurred several bank borrowings and other borrowings in an aggregate amount of RMB907.3 million (US$139.5 million) and had unutilized banking facilities in an amount of RMB1.53 billion (US$234.7 million) as of December 31, 2017. In addition, we received an aggregate amount of US$862.3 million (approximately RMB5.61 billion) from issuance of Class A ordinary shares to the respective subsidiaries of Tencent and JD.com. We believe that our current cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and our anticipated cash flows from operations will be sufficient to meet our anticipated working capital requirements and capital expenditures for the next 12 months. However, we may need additional capital in the future to fund our continued operations. As of December 31, 2016 and 2017, our cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and held-to-maturity investments are held in the following currency denominations and jurisdictions in which our subsidiaries domiciled: As of December 31, 2016 2017 Currency Denomination Subsidiaries Subsidiaries Subsidiary in HK RMB’000 in PRC(1) RMB’000 in USA RMB’000 Total RMB’000 Subsidiaries Subsidiaries Subsidiary in HK RMB’000 in PRC(1) RMB’000 in USA RMB’000 Total RMB’000 RMB . . . . . . . . . 4,428,401 US$ . . . . . . . . . . 16,876 Others . . . . . . . . 264,926 35,150 — 22,244 — 4,693,327 4,531,293 13,755 — 65,782 22,244 2,588 31,871 5,815,441 65,936 4,322 — 4,533,881 5,863,834 70,258 16,522 — Total . . . . . . . . . 4,445,277 322,320 13,755 4,781,353 4,567,486 5,883,965 16,522 10,467,973 (1) Also include our consolidated affiliated entities in China. As of December 31, 2016 and 2017, our cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash held by our consolidated affiliated entities and subsidiaries in China are as follows: As of December 31, 2016 2017 RMB’000 RMB’000 US$’000 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash Consolidated affiliated entities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Subsidiaries in China . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,176,191 2,613,230 2,953,989 1,367,516 454,020 210,184 Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,789,421 4,321,505 664,204 104 As of December 31, 2016 and 2017, our held-to-maturity investments held by our consolidated affiliated entities and other entities in China are as follows: As of December 31, 2016 2017 RMB’000 RMB’000 US$’000 Held-to-maturity investments: Consolidated affiliated entities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Subsidiaries in China . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170,839 500,937 40,313 205,668 6,196 31,611 Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 671,776 245,981 37,807 The PRC government authorities impose controls on the convertibility of the Renminbi into foreign currencies and, in certain cases, the remittance of currencies out of China. We receive substantially all of our revenues in Renminbi. Under our current corporate structure, our company in the Cayman Islands may rely on dividend payments from our PRC subsidiaries to fund any cash and financing requirements we may have. Under existing PRC foreign exchange regulations, payments of current account items, such as profit distributions and trade- and service-related foreign exchange transactions, can be made in foreign currencies without prior approval from SAFE by complying with certain procedural requirements. Therefore, our WFOEs in China are able to pay dividends in foreign currencies to us without prior approval from SAFE, subject to the condition that the remittance of such dividends out of China complies with certain procedures under PRC foreign exchange regulations, such as the requirement of outbound overseas investment registrations by our shareholders or the ultimate shareholders of our corporate shareholders who are PRC residents. But approval from or registration with appropriate government authorities is required where Renminbi is to be converted into foreign currencies and remitted out of China to pay capital expenses such as the repayment of loans denominated in foreign currencies. There is no requirement on U.S. investors to complete registration or obtain approval from appropriate government authorities before they can receive dividend payments from our Cayman company. The PRC government may also in the future in its discretion restrict access to foreign currencies for current account transactions. If the PRC foreign exchange control system prevents us from obtaining sufficient foreign currencies to satisfy our foreign currency demands, we may not be able to pay dividends in foreign currencies to our shareholders, including holders of our ADSs. The following table sets forth a summary of our cash flows for the periods indicated: Net cash from operating activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net cash used in investing activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities . . . Effect of exchange rate changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at For the year ended December 31, 2015 2016 2017 RMB’000 RMB’000 RMB’000 US$’000 1,915,086 (2,937,309) (539,134) 94,990 2,831,413 (1,669,002) (393,128) 15,910 981,251 (2,032,606) 7,169,824 (6,054) 150,816 (312,407) 1,101,981 (929) beginning of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,790,751 3,324,384 4,109,577 631,630 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,324,384 4,109,577 10,221,992 1,571,091 Operating Activities Net cash from operating activities amounted to RMB981.3 million (US$150.8 million) in 2017, which was primarily attributable to a net income of RMB1.89 billion (US$290.9 million), adjusted for 105 certain non-cash expenses consisting primarily of (i) share-based compensation expenses of RMB667.1 million (US$102.5 million), which was higher than 2016 due to an increase in our number of employees, (ii) inventory write-down of RMB206.7 million (US$31.8 million), (iii) depreciation of property and equipment of RMB720.8 million (US$110.8 million) attributable to increases in warehouse and logistic facilities, (iv) amortization of intangible assets of RMB340.8 million (US$52.4 million), and (v) changes in operating assets and liabilities. The adjustment for changes in operating assets and liabilities primarily reflected (w) an increase in accounts payable of RMB3.22 billion (US$494.5 million) and accrued expenses and other current liabilities of RMB290.8 million (US$44.7 million), primarily due to the net effect of a decrease in accrued shipping and handling expenses and an increase in accrued advertising expenses, accrued payroll and social benefit provisions, primarily driven by the growth in our business and the development of our owned logistic network, (x) a significant increase in account receivables of RMB2.66 billion (US$408.2 million) and a decrease in advances from customers of RMB347.5 million (US$53.4 million), primarily due to our developing consumer financing business in 2017, (y) an increase in inventories of RMB2.24 billion (US$344.3 million) to support the increase in sales volume, and (z) an increase in other receivables and prepayments of RMB1.27 billion (US$194.4 million), primarily related to our developing supplier financing business in 2017. Net cash from operating activities amounted to RMB2.83 billion in 2016, which was primarily due to a net income of RMB1.99 billion, adjusted for certain non-cash expenses consisting primarily of (i) share-based compensation expenses of RMB475.7 million, which was higher than 2015 due to an increase in our number of employees, (ii) inventory write-down of RMB303.2 million, which increased from 2015 due to an increase in special sales promotion events, (iii) depreciation of property and equipment of RMB611.0 million attributable to increases in warehouse and logistic facilities, (iv) amortization of intangible assets of RMB364.0 million, and (v) changes in operating assets and liabilities. The adjustment for changes in operating assets and liabilities primarily reflected (y) a decrease in accounts payable of RMB1.55 billion and accrued expenses and other current liabilities of RMB305.2 million, primarily due to the net effect of a decrease in accrued shipping and handling expenses and an increase in accrued advertising expenses and accrued payroll and social benefit provisions, all driven by the growth in our business, and (z) an increase in advances from customers of RMB690.4 million primarily due to increased sales volume. These increases were partially offset by (1) a significant increase in accounts receivable of RMB1.95 billion primarily due to our developing consumer financing business in 2016, (2) an increase in inventories of RMB685.0 million due to increase in sales volume, and (3) an increase in other receivables and prepayments of RMB323.2 million primarily related to prepayment to suppliers as a result of our increased sales volume and scale of operations. Net cash from operating activities amounted to RMB1.92 billion in 2015, which was primarily due to a net income of RMB1.51 billion, adjusted for certain non-cash expenses consisting primarily of (i) share-based compensation expenses of RMB302.9 million, which was higher than 2014 due to an increase in our number of employees, (ii) inventory write-down of RMB293.9 million, which increased from 2014 due to more sales promotions and growth in our business, (iii) depreciation of property and equipment of RMB291.4 million attributable to increases in warehouse and logistic facilities, (iv) amortization of intangible assets of RMB289.6 million, and (v) changes in operating assets and liabilities. The adjustment for changes in operating assets and liabilities primarily reflected (y) an increase in accounts payable of RMB643.4 million and accrued expenses and other current liabilities of RMB537.3 million, primarily due to an increase in accrued shipping and handling expenses, accrued advertising expenses, and accrued payroll and social benefit provisions, all driven by the growth in our business, and (z) an increase in advances from customers of RMB585.6 million, primarily due to increased sales volume. These increases were partially offset by (1) an increase in accounts receivable of RMB279.2 million, primarily due to our newly developed consumer financing business in 2015, (2) a significant increase in inventories of RMB1.27 billion, due to an increase in sales volume, and (3) an 106 increase in other receivables and prepayments of RMB1.09 billion, primarily related to prepayment to suppliers as a result of our increased sales volume and scale of operations. Investing Activities Net cash used in investing activities amounted to RMB2.03 billion (US$312.4 million) in 2017. Our net cash used in investing activities in 2017 was primarily due to (i) RMB2.47 billion (US$380.3 million) capital expenditure relating to our construction of warehouses and leasehold improvements, as well as purchases of office and other operating equipment, motor vehicles, IT software, and land use rights, (ii) RMB240.0 million (US$36.9 million) used for prepayment for an investment, and (iii) RMB354.0 million (US$54.4 million) used for purchase of held-to-maturity investments, offset by (y) RMB279.3 million (US$42.9 million) from disposal of an available-for-sales securities investment and (z) RMB796.7 million (US$122.5 million) from net redemption of held-to-maturity investments. Net cash used in investing activities amounted to RMB1.67 billion in 2016. Our net cash used in investing activities in 2016 was primarily due to (i) RMB2.79 billion capital expenditure relating to our construction of warehouses and leasehold improvements, as well as purchases of office and other operating equipment, motor vehicles, IT software, and land use rights, (ii) RMB58.3 million used in the investment in affiliates and other investments, (iii) RMB97.3 million used in the investment in available-for-sale investments, and (iv) RMB106.4 million used for acquisition of subsidiaries, offset by (y) RMB1.17 billion from net investment of held-to-maturity investments and (z) RMB240.1 million received from government subsidies for land use rights.. Net cash used in investing activities amounted to RMB2.94 billion in 2015. Our net cash used in investing activities in 2015 was primarily due to (i) RMB4.18 billion capital expenditure relating to our construction of warehouses and leasehold improvements, as well as purchases of office and other operating equipment, motor vehicles, IT software, and land use rights, (ii) RMB523.6 million used in the investment in affiliates and other investments, (iii) RMB247.0 million used in the investment in available-for-sale investments, and (iv) RMB2.09 billion from net investment in held-to-maturity investments. Financing Activities Net cash provided by financing activities amounted to RMB7.17 billion (US$1.10 billion) in 2017, primarily due to RMB910.3 million (US$139.9 million) of proceeds from bank and other borrowings, RMB760.0 million (US$116.8 million) of proceeds from issuance of securitization debt, RMB5.61 billion (US$862.3 million) of proceeds from issuance of Class A ordinary shares to the respective subsidiaries of Tencent and JD.com. Net cash used in financing activities amounted to RMB393.1 million in 2016, primarily due to acquisition of non-controlling interest in an amount of RMB111.6 million, repurchase of Class A ordinary shares of RMB193.6 million, and repayment of bank borrowings of RMB98.0 million. Net cash used in financing activities amounted to RMB539.1 million in 2015, primarily due to the repurchase of ordinary shares of RMB650.2 million. Capital Expenditures Our capital expenditures amounted to RMB4.18 billion, RMB2.79 billion, and RMB2.47 billion (US$380.3 million) in the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016, and 2017, respectively. Out of the foregoing capital expenditures, we paid RMB1.99 billion, RMB817.9 million, and RMB275.8 million (US$42.4 million) in the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016, and 2017, respectively, to acquire use right of lands located in China. Our capital expenditures were primarily for construction and expansion 107 of warehouses, land use right, and other logistic infrastructure from 2015 through 2017. We expect our future capital expenditures to increase gradually in 2018 and 2019. Approximately 80.0% of such capital expenditures are expected to be used to further expand our fulfillment capabilities and infrastructure expansions, approximately 5.0% of such capital expenditures are expected to be used to enhance our Vipshop Online Platform and IT systems, and approximately 15.0% of such capital expenditures are expected to be used for other purposes. We plan to fund these capital expenditures through our existing cash balances and our financing activities. Holding Company Structure Vipshop Holdings Limited is a holding company with no material operations of its own. We conduct our operations primarily through our wholly-owned subsidiaries and our consolidated affiliated entities in China. As a result, our ability to pay dividends depends upon dividends paid by our wholly- owned subsidiaries. If our wholly-owned subsidiaries or any newly formed subsidiaries incur debt on their own behalf in the future, the instruments governing their debt may restrict their ability to pay dividends to us. In addition, our wholly-owned subsidiaries are permitted to pay dividends to us only out of their retained earnings, if any, as determined in accordance with PRC accounting standards and regulations. Under PRC law, each of our wholly-owned PRC subsidiaries and our consolidated affiliated entities is required to set aside at least 10% of its after-tax profits each year, if any, to fund a statutory reserve until such reserve reaches 50% of its registered capital. Although the statutory reserves can be used, among other ways, to increase the registered capital and eliminate future losses in excess of retained earnings of the respective companies, the reserve funds are not distributable as cash dividends except in the event of liquidation. We set aside general reserve of RMB234.4 million, RMB84.9 million, and RMB95.6 million (US$14.7 million) to general reserve during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016, and 2017, respectively. C. Research and Development, Patents and Licenses, etc. Research and Development Our Vipshop Online Platform and management systems are supported by a combination of our internally developed proprietary technologies and commercially available licensed technologies. We focus our internal development efforts on mobile solutions, warehouse and transportation management systems and several service modules such as merchant module, order and payment processing module, and data module. We have adopted a service-oriented architecture supported by data processing technologies which consist of front-end and back-end modules with different functions. Our network infrastructure is built upon self-owned servers located in data centers operated by major PRC Internet data center providers. We have developed most of the key business modules through our internal IT department. We also license software from reputable third-party providers and work closely with them to customize the software for our operations. We have implemented a number of measures to protect against failure and data loss. We have developed a disaster tolerant system for our key business modules which includes real-time data mirroring, daily off-line data back-up and redundancy and load balancing. Our technology and content expenses consist primarily of the compensation and benefits of our IT staff, telecommunications expenses, and expenses incurred in creating content for our sales events on our Vipshop Online Platform, including model fees and professional photography expenses. We incurred RMB1.08 billion, RMB1.56 billion, and RMB1.81 billion (US$278.0 million) in technology and content expenses in 2015, 2016, and 2017. 108 Intellectual Property We regard our trademarks, service marks, domain names, trade secrets, proprietary technologies and similar intellectual property as critical to our success, and we rely on trademark, copyright and trade secret protection laws in China and other jurisdictions, as well as confidentiality procedures and contractual provisions with our employees, partners, service providers, suppliers and others to protect our proprietary rights. As of December 31, 2017, we owned 1,051 registered trademarks, 113 copyrights (including copyrights to 85 software products developed by us relating to various aspects of our operations), and 276 registered domain names that are material to our business, including vip.com and vipshop.com. D. Trend Information Other than as disclosed elsewhere in this annual report, we are not aware of any trends, uncertainties, demands, commitments or events for the year 2017 that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on our total net revenues, income, profitability, liquidity or capital resources, or that caused the disclosed financial information to be not necessarily indicative of future operating results or financial conditions. E. Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements Except for the guarantee provided to a bank under the cooperative lending arrangement as disclosed elsewhere in this annual report, we have not entered into any other financial guarantees or other commitments to guarantee the payment obligations of any third parties. For a further discussion on the cooperative lending arrangement, please refer to ‘‘Item 5.F. Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations.’’ We have not entered into any derivative contracts that are indexed to our shares and classified as shareholders’ equity, or that are not reflected in our consolidated financial statements. Furthermore, we do not have any retained or contingent interest in assets transferred to an unconsolidated entity that serves as credit, liquidity or market risk support to such entity. We do not have any variable interest in any unconsolidated entity that provides financing, liquidity, market risk or credit support to us or engages in leasing, hedging or research and development services with us. F. Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations We lease office space and certain equipment under non-cancelable operating lease agreements that expire at various dates from January 2018 through June 2026. These lease agreements provide for periodic rental increases based on both contractually agreed upon incremental rates and on the general inflation rate as agreed upon by us and our landlords. In the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016, and 2017, we incurred rental expenses of RMB191.3 million, RMB248.3 million, and RMB493.2 million (US$75.8 million), respectively. Our purchase obligations as of December 31, 2015 amounted to RMB850.7 million, representing property, equipment, software contracts, and land use rights. Our purchase obligations as of December 31, 2016 amounted to RMB938.5 million, representing property, equipment, software contracts, and land use rights. Our purchase obligations as of December 31, 2017 amounted to RMB2,345.7 million (US$360.5 million), representing property, equipment, software contracts, and land use rights. In addition, we will purchase certain services from our business partners. In 2017, we also entered into a cooperative lending arrangement with a bank, whereby we and the bank will jointly fund financing to individuals. Under this arrangement, we are obligated to compensate the bank if the balance of outstanding principal of the bank’s lending portion becomes overdue for more than 80 days. The balance of outstanding principal of the bank’s lending portion under the arrangement was approximately RMB326.0 million (US$50.1 million) as of December 31, 2017. 109 The following table sets forth our minimum contractual obligations and commitments as of December 31, 2017. Total Less than 1 year Operating lease obligations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Purchase obligations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Purchase of services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Short term loans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Securitization debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Convertible senior notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,022,819 2,345,658 390,378 942,151 800,736 4,171,682 527,348 1,595,513 — 942,151 800,736 61,424 G. Safe Harbor Payment Due by Period 1 - 3 years 3 - 5 years (in RMB’000) 337,015 729,115 117,003 21,030 — 390,378 — — — — — 4,110,258 More than 5 years 41,453 — — — — — This annual report on Form 20-F contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of historical facts are forward-looking statements. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. You can identify some of these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as ‘‘may,’’ ‘‘will,’’ ‘‘expect,’’ ‘‘anticipate,’’ ‘‘aim,’’ ‘‘estimate,’’ ‘‘intend,’’ ‘‘plan,’’ ‘‘believe,’’ ‘‘is/are likely to,’’ ‘‘potential,’’ ‘‘continue’’ or other similar expressions. We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to: (cid:127) our goals and strategies; (cid:127) our future business development, results of operations and financial condition; (cid:127) the expected growth of the online discount retail market in China; (cid:127) our ability to attract customers and brand partners and further enhance our brand recognition; (cid:127) our expectations regarding demand for and market acceptance of flash sales products and services; (cid:127) competition in our industry; (cid:127) fluctuations in general economic and business conditions in China; and (cid:127) assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. You should read thoroughly this annual report and the documents that we refer to in this annual report with the understanding that our actual future results may be materially different from and worse than what we expect. We qualify all of our forward-looking statements by these cautionary statements. Other sections of this annual report include additional factors which could adversely impact our business and financial performance. Moreover, we operate in an evolving environment. New risk factors and uncertainties emerge from time to time and it is not possible for our management to predict all risk factors and uncertainties, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. 110 This annual report also contains certain data and information, which we obtained from various government and private publications. Although we believe that the publications and reports are reliable, we have not independently verified the data. Statistical data in these publications includes projections that are based on a number of assumptions. If any one or more of the assumptions underlying the market data is later found to be incorrect, actual results may differ from the projections based on these assumptions. You should not rely upon forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. The forward- looking statements made in this annual report relate only to events or information as of the date on which the statements are made in this annual report. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. ITEM 6. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES A. Directors and Senior Management The following table sets forth information regarding our directors and executive officers as of the date of this annual report. Directors and Executive Officers Age Position/Title Eric Ya Shen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Chairman of the Board of Directors, Chief Arthur Xiaobo Hong . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, Chief Operating Officer Executive Officer Martin Chi Ping Lau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jacky Yu Xu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chun Liu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Frank Lin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Xing Liu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kathleen Chien . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nanyan Zheng . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Donghao Yang . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bill Huang . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Yizhi Tang . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Independent Director Independent Director Independent Director Independent Director Independent Director 45 Director 46 Director 50 53 47 48 49 46 Chief Financial Officer 45 Chief Technology Officer 44 Senior Vice President of Logistics Mr. Eric Ya Shen is our co-founder and has served as the chairman of our board of directors and chief executive officer since our inception in August 2010. He has over 20 years of experience in the distribution of consumer electronic products in domestic and overseas markets. From 2001 to 2012, Mr. Shen served as the chairman of the board of directors of Guangzhou NEM Import and Export Co., Ltd., a company primarily engaging in the sales of consumer electronic and telecommunication products. Mr. Shen received an EMBA degree from Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business in 2010 and an associate degree in telecommunication from Shanghai Railway College in 1990. Mr. Arthur Xiaobo Hong is our co-founder and has served as the vice chairman of our board of directors since January 2011. Mr. Hong has served as our chief operating officer since August 2012. Mr. Hong has over 15 years of experience in the distribution of consumer electronic products in overseas markets. From 1998 to 2011, Mr. Hong served as chairman of the board of directors of Soci´et´e Europe Pacifique Distribution, a French company engaging in the distribution of consumer electronic products, since 1998. Mr. Hong graduated from Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business in 2010. Mr. Martin Chi Ping Lau has served as our director since December 2017. Mr. Lau is president and executive director of Tencent Holdings Limited (SEHK: 0700), or Tencent. He joined Tencent in 2005 111 as the chief strategy and investment officer, and was responsible for corporate strategies, investments, merger and acquisitions and investor relations. In 2006, Mr. Lau was promoted as president of Tencent to manage the day-to-day operation of Tencent. In 2007, he was appointed as an executive director of Tencent. Prior to joining Tencent, Mr. Lau was an executive director at Goldman Sachs (Asia) L.L.C.’s investment banking division and the chief operating officer of its telecom, media and technology group. Prior to that, he worked at Mckinsey & Company, Inc. as a management consultant. Mr. Lau also serves as a non-executive director of Kingsoft Corporation Limited, an internet based software developer, distributor and software service provider listed on Hong Kong Stock Exchange, a director of JD.com Inc., the largest retailer of China listed on the Nasdaq, and a director of Leju Holdings Limited, an online-to-offline real estate services provider in China listed on the NYSE. Mr. Lau received a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering from the University of Michigan, a master of science degree in electrical engineering from Stanford University and an MBA degree from Kellogg Graduate School of Management, Northwestern University. Mr. Jacky Yu Xu is an angel investor of our company and has served as our director since January 2011. Mr. Xu is the director of several privately held companies in China. Mr. Xu graduated from Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business in 2009. Mr. Chun Liu has served as our director since March 2013. Mr. Chun Liu is currently the chief culture officer of Zhong Nan Wen Hua. Prior to joining Zhong Nan Wen Hua, he was the senior vice president of iQiyi.com. Prior to joining iQiyi.com, he was vice president and managing director of Soho.com Inc. and chief operating officer of Sohu Video. Prior to joining Sohu, Mr. Liu worked with Phoenix TV from 2000 to 2011. His last position at Phoenix TV was the executive director and the head of Phoenix TV Beijing Program Center. Earlier in his career, Mr. Liu worked in the Youth Division and News Commentary Department at CCTV, China’s state television broadcaster. As the executive producer of a famous program ‘‘News Investigation,’’ he produced dozens of award winning documentaries. Mr. Chun Liu received an EMBA degree from Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business in China and a master’s degree from the Communication University of China. Mr. Frank Lin has served as our director since January 2011. Mr. Lin is a general partner of DCM, a technology venture capital firm. Prior to joining DCM in 2006, Mr. Lin was chief operating officer of SINA Corporation (Nasdaq: SINA). He co-founded SINA’s predecessor, SinaNet, in 1995 and later guided SINA through its listing on Nasdaq. Prior to founding SinaNet, Mr. Lin was a consultant at Ernst & Young Management Consulting Group. Mr. Lin had also held various marketing, engineering and managerial positions at Octel Communication Inc. and NYNEX. Mr. Lin currently serves on the board of directors of numerous DCM portfolio companies. Mr. Lin received an MBA degree from Stanford University and a bachelor’s degree in engineering from Dartmouth College. Mr. Xing Liu has served as our director since January 2011. Mr. Liu is a partner of Sequoia Capital China. Prior to joining Sequoia Capital China in 2007, Mr. Liu had over nine years of work experience in investment banking, technology and product development and consulting at Merrill Lynch, Xerox and GlobalSight, respectively. Mr. Liu currently serves on the board of directors of numerous Sequoia Capital China portfolio companies. Mr. Liu received a master’s degree in computer engineering from Syracuse University, an MBA degree from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and a bachelor’s degree in management information systems from Fudan University. Ms. Kathleen Chien has served as our director since March 2012. Ms. Chien is currently the chief operating officer and acting chief financial officer of 51job, Inc., a Nasdaq-listed provider of integrated human resource services in China Ms. Chien joined 51job, Inc. in 1999 and served as its chief financial officer from 2004 to March 2009. Prior to joining 51job, Inc., Ms. Chien worked in the financial services and management consulting industries, including three years with Bain & Company in Hong Kong and two years with Capital Securities Corp. in Taiwan. During her tenure at Bain & Company, Ms. Chien was a consultant to a number of companies on strategic and marketing issues, including 112 entry into the Chinese market and achieving cost and operating efficiencies. While at Capital Securities Corp., Ms. Chien completed a number of equity and equity-linked transactions, enabling Taiwanese companies to raise significant capital from the international capital markets. Ms. Chien received her bachelor’s degree in economics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and an MBA degree from the Walter A. Haas School of Business at University of California, Berkeley. Mr. Nanyan Zheng has served as our director since March 2012. Mr. Zheng is currently the chairman of Plateno Group Ltd. Mr. Zheng founded Plateno Group Ltd. in 2013, which wholly owned 7 Days Groups Holdings Ltd. after its privatization and launched a series of new mid-level and upscale hotel brands. Mr. Zheng co-founded 7 Days Groups Holdings Ltd. and has been serving as its chief executive officer since October 2004. Mr. Zheng is also a co-founder and partner of Ocean Link Partners Limited, a fund management company founded in April 2016, and a co-founder and co-chairman since January 2011 of Reocar Group Limited, one of the leading car rental agencies in China. In June 2016, Mr. Zheng invested in OGC Nice, a French football club. From 2000 to October 2004, Mr. Zheng worked for Ctrip.com International Ltd., a Nasdaq-listed company and a leading travel service provider in China, and served as vice president and general manager of southern China, and later as vice president of marketing in charge of national marketing. During 2001, Mr. Zheng also worked for the computer center of the Economic and Trade Commission of Guangdong Province. Mr. Zheng received a bachelor’s degree from Sun Yat-Sen University in China. Mr. Donghao Yang has served as our chief financial officer since August 2011. Mr. Yang has held senior executive and managerial positions in various public and private companies, including serving as the chief finance officer of Synutra International Inc. (Nasdaq: SYUT) from May 2010 to August 2011, as the chief financial officer of Greater China of Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE: TSN) from March 2007 to April 2010, as a finance director of Asia Pacific of Valmont Industries, Inc. (NYSE: VMI) from October 2003 to March 2007, and as a director of China Minmetals Brazil Holding Limited from January 1999 to April 2001. Mr. Yang received an MBA degree from Harvard Business School in 2003 and a bachelor’s degree in international economics from Nankai University in 1993. Dr. Bill Huang has served as our chief technology officer since October 2016. Prior to joining our company, Bill served as chief technology officer and senior vice president of Sina Corporation (Nasdaq: SINA) from April 2015 to September 2016. Before that, he was the chief technology officer and senior vice president of R&D at PPTV from May 2011 to April 2015. From 2003 to 2011, Bill held various positions at Microsoft in its headquarters in Redmond, Washington. Bill received a Master’s degree in computer science from The University of Virginia in January 2001, a PhD in biochemistry and molecular biology from The State University of New York at Buffalo in August 1999, and a Bachelor’s degree in biology from Wuhan University in July 1993. Mr. Yizhi Tang has served as our senior vice president since November 2012. Before that, Mr. Tang served as our vice president from September 2010 to November 2012. Mr. Tang has over 10 years of experience in the logistics industry. Prior to joining us, Mr. Tang served as an operating director of Best Logistics Technology Co., Ltd. from 2009 to 2010. From 2008 to 2009, Mr. Tang served as the head of logistics department of Tesco, responsible for the logistics in the northern China area. From 2006 to 2008, Mr. Tang worked as the senior director of the logistics department of Dangdang.com. Mr. Tang received a master’s degree from Sun Yat-Sen University in 2003 and a bachelor’s degree from Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics in 1997. Employment Agreements We have entered into employment agreements with each of our executive officers. Under these agreements, each of our executive officers is employed for a specified time period. We may terminate employment for cause, at any time, without advance notice or remuneration, for certain acts of the executive officer, such as conviction or plea of guilty to a felony or any crime involving moral turpitude, 113 negligent or dishonest acts to our detriment, or misconduct or a failure to perform agreed duties. In such case, the executive officer will not be entitled to receive payment of any severance benefits or other amounts by reason of the termination, and the executive officer’s right to all other benefits will terminate, except as required by any applicable law. We may also terminate an executive officer’s employment without cause upon one-month advance written notice. In such case of termination by us, we are required to provide compensation to the executive officer, including severance pay, as expressly required by the applicable law of the jurisdiction where the executive officer is based. The executive officer may terminate the employment at any time with a one-month advance written notice if there is any significant change in the executive officer’s duties and responsibilities that is inconsistent in any material and adverse respect with his or her title and position or a material reduction in the executive officer’s annual salary before the next annual salary review, or if otherwise approved by the board of directors. Each executive officer has agreed to hold, both during and after the termination or expiry of his or her employment agreement, in strict confidence and not to use, except as required in the performance of his or her duties in connection with the employment, any of our confidential information or trade secrets, any confidential information or trade secrets of our clients or prospective clients or the confidential or proprietary information of any third party received by us and for which we have confidential obligations. The executive officers have also agreed to disclose in confidence to us all inventions, designs and trade secrets which they conceive, develop or reduce to practice and to assign all right, title and interest in them to us, and assist us in obtaining patents, In addition, each executive officer has agreed to be bound by non-competition and non-solicitation restrictions during the term of his or her employment and for one year following the last date of employment. Specifically, each executive officer has agreed not to (a) approach our clients, customers, contacts or other persons or entities introduced to the executive officer for the purpose of doing business with such persons or entities that will harm our business relationships with these persons or entities; (b) assume employment with or provide services to any of our competitors, or engage with, whether as principal, partner, licensor or otherwise, any of our competitors; or (c) seek directly or indirectly, to solicit the services of any of our employees who is employed by us on or after the date of the executive officer’s termination, or in the year preceding such termination. B. Compensation For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, we paid an aggregate of RMB11.3 million (US$1.7 million) in cash to our executive officers, and we paid an aggregate of RMB3.4 million (US$0.5 million) in cash to our non-executive directors. We have not set aside or accrued any amount to provide pension, retirement or other similar benefits to our executive officers and directors. Our PRC subsidiaries and consolidated affiliated entities are required by PRC law to make contributions equal to certain percentages of each employee’s salary for his or her pension insurance, medical insurance, unemployment insurance and other statutory benefits and a housing provident fund. Stock Incentive Plans 2011 Stock Incentive Plan In March 2011, we adopted our 2011 Plan, in order to attract and retain the best available personnel, to provide additional incentives to employees, directors, officers, consultants and other eligible persons and to promote the success of our business. Under the 2011 Plan, the maximum number of shares may be granted is 7,350,000 ordinary shares. As of the date of this annual report, options to acquire 829,527 Class A ordinary shares have been granted and are outstanding under the 2011 Plan. The following paragraphs summarize the terms of the 2011 Plan. 114 Plan Administration. The plan administrator is our board or a committee designated by our board. Awards. We may grant options, restricted shares and restricted share units as well as other rights or benefits, such as share appreciation rights and dividend equivalent rights, under the 2011 Plan. Award Agreement and Notice of Stock Option Award. Awards granted under the 2011 Plan are evidenced by an award agreement and, in the case of stock options, a notice of stock option award that sets forth the terms, conditions, and limitations for each grant. Exercise Price. The exercise price of an award shall be determined by the administrator in accordance with the 2011 Plan. Eligibility. We may grant awards other than incentive stock options to our employees, directors and consultants or those of our related entities. Incentive stock options may be granted only to employees of our company or a parent or a subsidiary of our company. Term of the Awards. The term of each award grant shall be determined by the plan administrator and stated in the award agreement, provided that the term of incentive stock options shall not exceed 10 years from the date of grant. In the event of an incentive stock option granted to a grantee who, at the time the option is granted, owns shares representing more than 10% of the voting power of all classes of shares of our company or any parent or subsidiary of our company, the term of the incentive stock option shall be five years from the date of grant or such shorter term as may be provided in the award agreement. Vesting Schedule. The vesting schedule is determined by the plan administrator and set forth in the notice of stock option award and award agreement. Except as unanimously approved by our board, awards granted under the 2011 Plan shall be subject to a minimum four-year vesting schedule calling for vesting no faster than the following: one-fourth of the total ordinary shares subject to the awards shall vest at the first anniversary of the vesting commencement date and one-forty-eighth of the total ordinary shares subject to the awards shall vest at the end of each month thereafter; provided that the awards shall not be exercised or released until the earlier of consumption of a qualified initial public offering or immediately prior to a change in control. Our initial public offering in March 2012 is a qualified initial public offering under the 2011 Plan. Transfer Restrictions. Incentive stock options may not be transferred in any manner other than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution and may be exercised, during the lifetime of the grantee, only by the grantee. Other awards are transferable by will and by the laws of descent and distribution, and during the lifetime of the grantee, may be transferred to the extent and in the manner authorized by the plan administrator. Termination of Employment or Service. In the event that an award recipient ceases employment with us or ceases to provide services to us, an award may be exercised following the termination of employment or service to the extent provided in the award agreement. Termination and Amendment of the Plan. Unless terminated earlier, the 2011 Plan will terminate automatically in 2021. Our board has the authority to amend, suspend or terminate the plan subject to shareholder approval with respect to certain amendments. However, no suspension or termination shall adversely affect any rights under awards previously granted. 2012 Share Incentive Plan In March 2012, we adopted our 2012 Plan, which permits the grant of options to purchase our ordinary shares, restricted shares and restricted share units as deemed appropriate by the administrator. 115 The maximum aggregate number of shares that may be issued pursuant to our 2012 Plan is 9,000,000, and the maximum aggregate number of shares that may be issued per calendar year is 1,500,000 from 2012 until the termination of this plan. As of the date of this annual report, options to acquire 380,481 Class A ordinary shares and 20,617 restricted shares have been granted and are outstanding under the 2012 Plan. The following paragraphs describe the principal terms of our 2012 Plan: Plan Administration. The plan will be administered by a committee of one or more directors to whom the board shall delegate the authority to grant or amend awards to participants other than any of the committee members. The committee will determine the provisions and terms and conditions of each award grant. Awards and Award Agreement. We may grant options, restricted shares or restricted share units to our directors, employees or consultants under the plan. Awards granted under the plan will be evidenced by award agreements that set forth the terms, conditions and limitations for each award. These may include the term of an award, the provisions applicable in the event the participant’s employment or service terminates, and our authority to unilaterally or bilaterally amend, modify, suspend, cancel or rescind an award. Option Exercise Price. The exercise price of an option shall be determined by the plan administrator and set forth in the award agreement. It may be a fixed price or a variable price related to the fair market value of our ordinary shares, to the extent not prohibited by applicable laws. Subject to certain limits set forth in the plan, the exercise price may be amended or adjusted in the absolute discretion of the plan administrator, whose determination shall be final, binding and conclusive. To the extent not prohibited by applicable laws or any exchange rule, a downward adjustment of the exercise prices of options shall be effective without the approval of the shareholders or the approval of the affected participants. Eligibility. We may grant awards to our employees, directors and consultants or those of any of our related entities, which include our subsidiaries or any entities in which we hold a substantial ownership or control interest, as determined by our plan administrator. Awards other than incentive share options may be granted to our employees, directors and consultants. Incentive share options may be granted only to employees of our company or a parent or a subsidiary of our company. Term of the Awards. The term of each award grant shall be determined by our plan administrator, provided that the term shall not exceed 10 years from the date of the grant. Vesting Schedule. In general, the plan administrator determines, or the award agreement specifies, the vesting schedule. Restricted shares granted under the plan will have either a three-year, a two-year or a one-year vesting schedule. We have the right to repurchase the restricted shares until they have vested. Transfer Restrictions. Except as otherwise provided by the plan administrator, an award may not be transferred or otherwise disposed of by a participant other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution. The plan administrator may permit an award other than an incentive share option to be transferred to or exercised by certain persons related to the participant by express provision in the award or by an amendment to the award. 116 Corporate Transactions. Except as otherwise provided in an individual award agreement or any other written agreement entered into between a participant and us, our plan administrator may provide for one or more of the following in the event of a change of control or other similar corporate transaction: (i) the termination of each award outstanding under the plan at a specific time in the future, with each participant having the right to exercise the vested portion of the awards during a period of time as determined by the plan administrator; (ii) the termination of any award in exchange for an amount of cash equal to the amount that could have been obtained upon the exercise of the award; (iii) the replacement of an award with other rights or property selected by the plan administrator; (iv) the assumption of the award by our successor, parent or subsidiary, or the substitution of an award granted by our successor, parent or subsidiary, with appropriate adjustments; or (v) payment of an award in cash based on the value of our ordinary shares on the date of the corporate transaction plus reasonable interest on the award. Amendment and Termination of the Plan. With the approval of our board, the plan administrator may amend, modify or terminate the plan at any time and from time to time. However, no amendment may be made without the approval of our shareholders to the extent that approval is required by applicable laws. The approval of our shareholders would also be required in the event that the amendment increased the number of shares available under our plan, permitted the plan administrator to extend the term of our plan or the exercise period for an option beyond ten years from the date of grant, or resulted in a material increase in benefits or a change in eligibility requirements, unless we decided to follow home country practice. 2014 Share Incentive Plan In July 2014, we adopted our 2014 Plan, which permits the grant of options to purchase our ordinary shares, restricted shares, share appreciation rights, and other types of awards as deemed appropriate by the administrator. The maximum aggregate number of shares that may be issued pursuant to our 2014 Plan is (i) 5,366,998 Class A ordinary shares, and (ii) an automatic increase on January 1 of each year after the effective date of the 2014 Plan by that number of shares representing 1.5% of our then total issued and outstanding share capital as of December 31 of the preceding year, or such less number as determined by the board of directors. In December 2017, we registered additional securities consisting of 5,237,297 Class A ordinary shares that were automatically added to our 2014 Plan, effective January 1, 2015, January 1, 2016 and January 1, 2017, pursuant to the evergreen provisions. As of the date of this annual report, options to acquire 1,320,000 Class A ordinary shares and 3,428,902 restricted shares have been granted and are outstanding under the 2014 Plan. The following paragraphs describe the principal terms of our 2014 Plan: Plan Administration. The plan will be administered by the Compensation Committee, or a committee of two or more directors to whom the Compensation Committee shall delegate the authority to grant or amend awards to participants other than independent directors and executive officers. The committee will determine the provisions and terms and conditions of each award grant. Awards and Award Agreement. We may grant options, restricted shares, share appreciation rights, or other types of awards to our directors, employees or consultants under the plan. Awards granted under the plan will be evidenced by award agreements that set forth the terms, conditions and limitations for each award. These may include the term of an award, the provisions applicable in the event the participant’s employment or service terminates, and our authority to unilaterally or bilaterally amend, modify, suspend, cancel or rescind an award. Option Exercise Price. The exercise price of an option shall be determined by the plan administrator and set forth in the award agreement. It may be a fixed price or a variable price related 117 to the fair market value of our Class A ordinary shares, to the extent not prohibited by applicable laws. Subject to certain limits set forth in the plan, the exercise price may be amended or adjusted in the absolute discretion of the plan administrator, whose determination shall be final, binding and conclusive. To the extent not prohibited by applicable laws or any exchange rule, a downward adjustment of the exercise prices of options shall be effective without the approval of the shareholders or the approval of the affected participants. Eligibility. We may grant awards to our employees, directors and consultants or those of any of our related entities, which include our subsidiaries or any entities in which we hold a substantial ownership or control interest, as determined by our plan administrator. Awards other than incentive share options may be granted to our employees, directors and consultants. Incentive share options may be granted only to employees of our company or a parent or a subsidiary of our company. Term of the Awards. The term of each award grant shall be determined by our plan administrator, provided that the term for an option shall not exceed 10 years from the date of the grant. Vesting Schedule. In general, the plan administrator determines, or the award agreement specifies, the vesting schedule. We have the right to repurchase the restricted shares until they have vested. Transfer Restrictions. Except as otherwise provided by the plan administrator, an award may not be transferred or otherwise disposed of by a participant other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution. The plan administrator may permit an award other than an incentive share option to be transferred to or exercised by certain persons related to the participant by express provision in the award or by an amendment to the award. A participant must give us prompt notice of any disposition of shares acquired by exercise of an incentive share option within (i) two years from the date of grant of such incentive share option or (ii) one year after the transfer of such shares to the participant. Corporate Transactions. Except as otherwise provided in an individual award agreement or any other written agreement entered into between a participant and us, our plan administrator may provide for one or more of the following in the event of a change of control or other similar corporate transaction: (i) the termination of each award outstanding under the plan at a specific time in the future, with each participant having the right to exercise such awards during a period of time as determined by the plan administrator; (ii) either the purchase of any award for an amount of cash equal to the amount that could have been attained upon the exercise of such award or realization of the participant’s rights had such award been currently exercisable or payable or fully vested; (iii) the replacement of an award with other rights or property selected by the plan administrator in its sole discretion the assumption of or substitution of such award by the successor or surviving corporation, or a parent or subsidiary thereof, with appropriate adjustments as to the number and kind of shares and prices, or (iv) provide for payment of awards in cash based on the value of shares on the date of the change of control plus reasonable interest on the award through the date such award would otherwise be vested or have been paid in accordance with its original terms, if necessary to comply with the Code. Amendment and Termination of the Plan. With the approval of our board of directors, at any time and from time to time, the plan administrator may terminate, amend or modify the 2014 Plan; provided, however, that to the extent necessary and desirable to comply with any applicable law, regulation, or stock exchange rule, unless we decide to follow home country practice, shareholder approval is required for any plan amendment, including any amendment to the plan that (i) increases the number of shares available under the 2014 Plan, (ii) permits the plan administrator to extend the exercise period for an option beyond ten years from the date of grant, or (iii) results in a change in eligibility requirements. 118 Share Incentive Grants The following table summarizes, for the year ended December 31, 2017, the outstanding options we granted to our directors and executive officers under the 2011 Plan, the 2012 Plan, and the 2014 Plan. Name Eric Ya Shen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Donghao Yang . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Yizhi Tang . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nanyan Zheng . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kathleen Chien . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chun Liu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Number of Ordinary Shares Underlying Options 660,000 * * * * * * * * Exercise Price (US$/Share) 68.35 0.50 0.50 68.35 0.50 2.52 2.50 2.50 2.50 Date of Grant Date of Expiration January 1, 2022 January 1, 2017 August 30, 2011 August 29, 2021 January 1, 2013 December 31, 2022 January 1, 2022 January 1, 2017 March 17, 2021 March 18, 2011 November 30, 2011 November 29, 2021 April 15, 2022 April 15, 2022 March 22, 2023 April 16, 2012 April 16, 2012 March 22, 2013 * Aggregate number of shares beneficially owned by the person account for less than 1% of our total outstanding ordinary shares. The following table summarizes, for the year ended December 31, 2017, the outstanding restricted shares we granted to our directors and executive officers under the 2012 Plan and the 2014 Plan. Name Arthur Xiaobo Hong . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Donghao Yang . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bill Yanlin Huang . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Yizhi Tang . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Frank Lin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Xing Liu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nanyan Zheng . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kathleen Chien . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chun Liu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Number of Restricted Shares Date of Grant January 1, 2017 300,000 * January 1, 2017 * October 1, 2016 January 1, 2013 * January 1, 2017 * January 1, 2013 * April 1, 2016 * January 1, 2013 * April 1, 2016 * January 1, 2013 * April 1, 2016 * January 1, 2013 * * April 1, 2016 * March 22, 2013 April 1, 2016 * * Aggregate number of shares beneficially owned by the person account for less than 1% of our total outstanding ordinary shares. C. Board Practices Board of Directors Our board of directors consists of nine directors. A director is not required to hold any shares in our company by way of qualification. A director may vote with respect to any contract or transaction in 119 which he or she is materially interested provided the nature of the interest is disclosed prior to its consideration. Subject to our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association, the directors may exercise all the powers of our company to borrow money, mortgage their undertaking, property and uncalled capital and issue debentures or other securities whether outright or as security for any debt, liability or obligation of our company or of any third party. None of our directors has a service contract with us that provides for benefits upon termination of service. Committees of the Board of Directors We have three committees under the board of directors, namely the audit committee, the compensation committee and the nominating and corporate governance committee. We have adopted a charter for each of the three committees. Each committee’s members and functions are described below. Audit Committee. Our audit committee consists of Ms. Kathleen Chien, Mr. Nanyan Zheng and Mr. Chun Liu. Ms. Kathleen Chien, Mr. Nanyan Zheng and Mr. Chun Liu satisfy the ‘‘independence’’ requirements under Section 303A of the Corporate Governance Rules of NYSE and Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act. Ms. Kathleen Chien is the chair of our audit committee. We have determined that Ms. Kathleen Chien qualifies as an ‘‘audit committee financial expert.’’ The purpose of the audit committee is to assist our board of directors with its oversight responsibilities regarding: (a) the integrity of our financial statements, (b) our compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, (c) the independent auditor’s qualifications and independence and (d) the performance of our internal audit function and independent auditor. The audit committee will be responsible for, among other things: (cid:127) appointing the independent auditors and pre-approving all auditing and non-auditing services permitted to be performed by the independent auditors; (cid:127) reviewing with the independent auditors any audit problems or difficulties and management’s response; (cid:127) discussing the annual audited financial statements with management and the independent auditors; (cid:127) reviewing the adequacy and effectiveness of our accounting and internal control policies and procedures and any steps taken to monitor and control major financial risk exposures; (cid:127) reviewing and approving all proposed related party transactions; (cid:127) meeting separately and periodically with management and the independent auditors; and (cid:127) monitoring compliance with our code of business conduct and ethics, including reviewing the adequacy and effectiveness of our procedures to ensure proper compliance. Compensation Committee. Our compensation committee consists of Mr. Nanyan Zheng, Ms. Kathleen Chien and Mr. Frank Lin. Mr. Nanyan Zheng, Mr. Frank Lin and Ms. Kathleen Chien satisfy the ‘‘independence’’ requirements under Section 303A of the Corporate Governance Rules of NYSE. Mr. Nanyan Zheng is the chair of our compensation committee. The compensation committee assists the board in reviewing and approving compensation structure, including all forms of compensation, relating to our directors and executive officers. Our chief executive officer may not be present at any committee meeting during which his compensation is deliberated. The compensation committee is responsible for, among other things: (cid:127) reviewing and approving, or recommending to the board for its approval, the compensation for our chief executive officer and other executive officers; (cid:127) reviewing and recommending to the board for determination with respect to the compensation of our directors; and 120 (cid:127) reviewing periodically and approving any incentive compensation or equity plans, programs or similar arrangements. Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. Our nominating and corporate governance committee consists of Mr. Nanyan Zheng, Ms. Kathleen Chien and Mr. Xing Liu. Mr. Nanyan Zheng, Ms. Kathleen Chien and Mr. Xing Liu satisfy the ‘‘independence’’ requirements under Section 303A of the Corporate Governance Rules of NYSE. Mr. Nanyan Zheng is the chair of our nominating and corporate governance committee. The nominating and corporate governance committee assists the board of directors in selecting individuals qualified to become our directors and in determining the composition of the board and its committees. The nominating and corporate governance committee is responsible for, among other things: (cid:127) selecting and recommending to the board nominees for election by the shareholders or appointment by the board; (cid:127) reviewing annually with the board the current composition of the board with regard to characteristics such as independence, knowledge, skills, experience and diversity; (cid:127) making recommendations on the frequency and structure of board meetings and monitoring the functioning of the committees of the board; and (cid:127) advising the board periodically with regard to significant developments in the law and practice of corporate governance as well as our compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and making recommendations to the board on all matters of corporate governance and on any remedial action to be taken. Duties of Directors Under Cayman Islands law, our directors have a duty of loyalty to act honestly in good faith with a view to our best interests. Our directors also have a duty to exercise the skill they actually possess and such care and diligence that a reasonably prudent person would exercise in comparable circumstances. In fulfilling their duty of care to us, our directors must ensure compliance with our memorandum and articles of association. Our company has the right to seek damages if a duty owed by our directors to us is breached. Terms of Directors and Officers Our officers are elected by and serve at the discretion of the board of directors and the shareholders. Our directors are not subject to a term of office and hold office until such time as they are removed from office by ordinary resolution of the shareholders in a general meeting or by the unanimous written resolution of all shareholders. A director will be removed from office automatically if, among other things, the director (a) becomes bankrupt or makes any arrangement or composition with his creditors; or (b) dies or is found by our company to be or becomes of unsound mind. D. Employees As of December 31, 2017, we had 58,702 full time employees, compared with 29,720 and 45,302 employees as of December 31, 2015 and 2016, respectively. We also employ independent contractors 121 and part-time personnel from time to time. The following table sets forth the number of our full time employees categorized by areas of operations as of December 31, 2017: Operations Merchandising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Products and technology support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Business development, sales and marketing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Internet finance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Customer services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Logistics and delivery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Administration and management Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Number of Employees 1,947 2,307 195 844 1,896 50,908 605 58,702 Our success depends on our ability to attract, retain and motivate qualified personnel. We have developed a corporate culture that encourages teamwork, effectiveness, self-development and commitment to providing our customers with superior services. We regularly provide our employees with training tailored to each job function to enhance performance and service quality. As required by regulations in China, we participate in various employee social security plans that are organized by municipal and provincial governments, including pension, unemployment insurance, childbirth insurance, work-related injury insurance, medical insurance and housing insurance. We are required under PRC law to make contributions to employee benefit plans at specified percentages of the salaries, bonuses and certain allowances of our employees, up to a maximum amount specified by the local government from time to time. In addition, we also provide our employees fringe benefits such as free lunches and periodic appreciation payments to employees’ family members. For the year ended December 31, 2017, we have not experienced any significant labor disputes. E. Share Ownership The following table sets forth information with respect to the beneficial ownership of our ordinary shares as of March 31, 2018 by: (cid:127) each of our directors and executive officers; and (cid:127) each person known to us to own beneficially more than 5% of our ordinary shares. The calculations in the shareholder table below are based on 131,803,703 ordinary shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2018, comprising of (i) 115,293,345 Class A ordinary shares, excluding the 45,396 Class A ordinary shares issued to Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, the depositary 122 of our ADS program, for bulk issuance of ADSs reserved for future issuances upon the exercise or vesting of awards granted under our stock incentive plans, and (ii) 16,510,358 Class B ordinary shares. Directors and Executive Officers**: Eric Ya Shen(3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Arthur Xiaobo Hong(4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Martin Chi Ping Lau(5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jacky Xu(6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chun Liu(7) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Frank Lin(8) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Xing Liu(9) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kathleen Chien(10) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nanyan Zheng(11) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Donghao Yang(12) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bill Huang(12) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Yizhi Tang(12) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . All directors and executive officers as a group . . . . . . . . . . Principal Shareholders: Elegant Motion Holdings Limited(13) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tencent Mobility Limited(14) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . High Vivacity Holdings Limited(15) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Windcreek Limited.(16) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . * Less than 1% of our total outstanding ordinary shares. Number of Ordinary Shares Beneficially Owned(1) 16,730,358 9,009,891 * 3,378,937 * * * * * * * * 30,926,773 16,510,358 9.229.437 8,952,810 7,201,498 %(2) 12.7 6.8 * 2.6 * * * * * * * * 23.5 12.5 7.0 6.8 5.5 ** Except for Mr. Frank Lin, Mr. Xing Liu, Mr. Nanyan Zheng, Ms. Kathleen Chien, Mr. Chun Liu, and Mr. Martin Chi Ping Lau, the business address of our directors and executive officers is c/o No. 20 Huahai Street, Liwan District, Guangzhou 510370, People’s Republic of China. (1) Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the SEC rules and includes voting or investment power with respect to the securities. (2) For each person and group included in this column, percentage ownership is calculated by dividing the number of shares beneficially owned by such person or group by the sum of the number of shares outstanding and the number of shares such person or group has the right to acquire upon exercise of the stock options or vesting of restricted shares within 60 days after March 31, 2018. (3) Beneficially owned through Elegant Motion Holdings Limited, a British Virgin Islands company, and options of Mr. Eric Ya Shen granted under our share incentive plans to acquire Class A ordinary shares. Elegant Motion Holdings Limited is ultimately wholly owned by the SYZXC Trust. Under the terms of the SYZXC Trust, Mr. Eric Ya Shen and his wife Ms. Xiaochun Zhang have the power to jointly direct the trustee with respect to the retention or disposal of, and the exercise of any voting and other rights attached to these shares. As of March 31, 2018, Mr. Eric Ya Shen beneficially owned (i) 220,000 Class A ordinary shares issuable to Mr. Eric Ya Shen upon the exercise of options within 60 days after March 31, 2018 , and (ii) 16,510,358 Class B ordinary shares held by Elegant Motion Holdings Limited, representing 58.9% of the aggregate voting power of our company. 123 (4) Beneficially owned through High Vivacity Holdings Limited, a British Virgin Islands company, which is ultimately wholly owned by the Nasa Stand Trust, and options of Mr. Hong granted under our share incentive plans to acquire Class A ordinary shares. Under the terms of the Nasa Stand Trust, Mr. Hong has the power to direct the trustee with respect to the retention or disposal of, and the exercise of any voting and other rights attached to these shares. As of March 31, 2018, Mr. Hong beneficially owned (i) 57,081 restricted shares that can be acquired by Mr. Arthur Xiaobo Hong within 60 days after March 31, 2018; and (ii) 8,952,810 Class A ordinary shares held by High Vivacity Holdings Limited. (5) The business address of Mr. Martin Chi Ping Lau is 39/F, Tencent Building, Kejizhongyi Avenue, Hi-Tech Park, Nanshan District, Shenzhen 518057, People’s Republic of China. (6) Beneficially owned through Advanced Sea International Limited, a British Virgin Islands company wholly owned by Mr. Xu. (7) The business address of Mr. Liu is Level 11, Sohu.com Internet Plaza, No. 1 Unit Zhongguancun East Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100084, People’s Republic of China. (8) The business address of Mr. Lin is 2420 Sand Hill Road, Suite 200, Menlo Park, CA 94025, U.S.A. (9) Mr. Liu is a partner of Sequoia Entities. The business address of Mr. Liu is Suite 2215, Two Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Hong Kong. (10) The business address of Ms. Chien is Building 3, No. 1387 Zhang Dong Road, Shanghai 201203, People’s Republic of China. (11) The business address of Mr. Zheng is 10F, 705 Guangzhou Da Dao Nan Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510290, People’s Republic of China. (12) Certain of our directors and executive officers have been granted options pursuant to our stock incentive plans. See ‘‘Item 6.B. Directors, Senior Management and Employees— Compensation of Directors and Executive Officers—Stock Incentive Plans.’’ (13) Elegant Motion Holdings Limited, or Elegant Motion, is a British Virgin Islands company. Elegant Motion is ultimately wholly owned by the SYZXC Trust. Under the terms of the SYZXC Trust, Mr. Eric Ya Shen and his wife Ms. Xiaochun Zhang have the power to jointly direct the trustee with respect to the retention or disposal of, and the exercise of any voting and other rights attached to these shares, as reported by Elegant Motion, Eric Ya Shen and Xiaochun Zhang on the Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on February 13, 2018. The registered address of Elegant Motion Holdings Limited is Palm Grove House, P.O. Box 438, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands. (14) Tencent Mobility Limited is a company limited by shares incorporated in Hong Kong. Tencent Mobility Limited is wholly owned by Tencent Holdings Limited, a public company listed on Hong Kong Stock Exchange, as reported by Tencent Holdings Limited on the Schedule 13D filed with the SEC on January 8, 2018. The principal office address of Tencent Mobility Limited is 29/F., Three Pacific Place, No. 1 Queen’s Road East, Wanchai, Hong Kong. (15) High Vivacity Holdings Limited, or High Vivacity, is a British Virgin Islands company, which is ultimately wholly owned by the Nasa Stand Trust. Under the terms of the Nasa Stand Trust, Mr. Hong has the power to direct the trustee with respect to the retention or disposal of, and the exercise of any voting and other rights attached to these shares, as reported by High Vivacity and Arthur Xiaobo Hong on the Schedule 13G/A filed with the 124 SEC on February 13, 2018. The registered address of High Vivacity Holdings Limited is Palm Grove House, P.O. Box 438, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands. (16) Windcreek Limited is a company incorporated in the British Virgin Islands. Windcreek Limtied is ultimately wholly owned by JD.com, Inc., a public company whose ADS are traded on the Nasdaq Global Select Market, as reported by JD.com, Inc. on the Schedule 13D filed with the SEC on January 8, 2018. The registered address of Windcreek Limited is P.O. Box 957, Offshore Incorporations Centre, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands. To our knowledge and based on our review of our register of shareholders as of March 31, 2018, 91,332,833 Class A ordinary shares were held of record by one holder that resides in the United States, Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, the depositary of our ADS program. The number of beneficial owners of our ADSs in the United States is likely to be much larger than the number of record holders of our Class A ordinary shares in the United States. For the different voting rights of our Class A ordinary shareholders and Class B ordinary shareholders, please refer to ‘‘Item 4.A. Information on the Company—History and Development of the Company—Our Company.’’ We are not aware of any arrangement that may, at a subsequent date, result in a change of control of our company. For the options granted to our directors, officers and employees, please refer to ‘‘Item 6.B. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—Compensation of Directors and Executive Officers.’’ ITEM 7. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS A. Major Shareholders Please refer to ‘‘Item 6.E. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—Share Ownership.’’ B. Related Party Transactions Contractual Arrangements Our wholly-owned subsidiary, Vipshop China, has entered into a series of contractual arrangements with our consolidated affiliated entity, Vipshop Information, and its shareholders, which enable us to exercise effective control over Vipshop Information, receive substantially all of the economic benefits of Vipshop Information through service fees in consideration for the technical and consulting services provided by Vipshop China, and have an exclusive option to purchase, or designate one or more person(s) to purchase, all of the equity interests in Vipshop Information to the extent permitted under PRC laws, regulations and legal procedures. For a description of these contractual arrangements, see ‘‘Item 4.C. Information on the Company—Organizational Structure—Contractual Arrangements with Vipshop Information.’’ Transactions with Our Directors and Shareholders In December 2017, a Tencent subsidiary and JD.com entered into strategic cooperation framework agreement and business cooperation framework agreement with us, respectively. Under these agreements, Tencent granted us an entry on the interface of Weixin Wallet, and JD.com granted us entries on the main page of JD.com’s mobile application, and the main page of JD.com’s Weixin Discovery shopping entry, to utilize the traffic from such platforms. 125 Other than transactions with Tencent and JD.com, we purchased products and goods from companies controlled by our director and ordinary shareholder, in the amount of RMB183.8 million (US$28.2 million) for the year ended December 31, 2017. As of December 31, 2017, the amounts due to companies controlled by our director and ordinary shareholders were RMB50.2 million (US$7.7 million), which was unsecured and interest free. We also provided logistic service to companies controlled or significantly influenced by our directors and ordinary shareholders in the amount of RMB1.8 million (US$0.3 million) for the year ended December 31, 2017. As of December 31, 2017, the amounts due from companies controlled or significantly influenced by our directors and ordinary shareholders were RMB10.2 million (US$1.6 million), which were unsecured and interest free. Transactions with Other Related Parties We purchased products and goods from companies significantly influenced by us in the amount of RMB29.6 million (US$4.5 million), and engaged one of our affiliate to provide advertising service in the amount of RMB1.0 million (US$0.2 million), for the year ended December 31, 2017. As of December 31, 2017, the amount due to our companies significantly influenced by us and our shareholders were RMB14.8 million (US$2.3 million), which were unsecured and interest free. Employment Agreements See ‘‘Item 6.A. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—Directors and Senior Management—Employment Agreements.’’ Share Options See ‘‘Item 6.B. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—Compensation of Directors and Executive Officers—Stock Incentive Plans.’’ C. Interests of Experts and Counsel Not applicable. ITEM 8. FINANCIAL INFORMATION A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information We have appended consolidated financial statements filed as part of this annual report. Legal Proceedings From time to time, we have become and may in the future become a party to various legal or administrative proceedings arising in the ordinary course of our business, including actions with respect to intellectual property infringement, violation of third-party license or other rights, breach of contract, labor and employment claims. We are currently not a party to, and we are not aware of any threat of, any legal or administrative proceedings that, in the opinion of our management, are likely to have a material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations and cash flows. Litigation We and certain of our officers and directors were named as defendants in two putative securities class actions filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York: Heller v. Vipshop Holdings Limited et al., Civil Action No. 1:15-cv-03870-LTS (S.D.N.Y.) (filed on May 19, 2015) and Schwartz v. Vipshop Holdings Limited et al., Civil Action No. 1:15-cv-05097-LTS (S.D.N.Y.) (filed on June 30, 2015). The complaints in both putative class actions allege that certain of our financial statements and other public disclosures contained misstatements or omissions and assert claims under 126 the U.S. securities laws. On September 15, 2015, the court consolidated the two actions, and appointed a lead plaintiff and approved the lead plaintiff’s selection of lead counsel for the consolidated action. On November 24, 2015, the lead plaintiff filed a Notice of Voluntary Dismissal Without Prejudice which was entered by the court, voluntarily dismissing, without prejudice, all claims in the consolidated action. Dividend Policy We have not paid in the past and do not have any present plan to pay any cash dividends on our ordinary shares in the foreseeable future. We currently intend to retain most, if not all, of our available funds and any future earnings to operate and expand our business. Our board of directors has discretion as to whether to distribute dividends, subject to applicable laws. Even if our board of directors decides to declare dividends, their form, frequency and amount will depend upon our future operations and earnings, capital requirements and surplus, general financial condition, contractual and statutory restrictions and other factors that the board of directors may deem relevant. Holders of our ADSs will be entitled to receive dividends, if any, subject to the terms of the deposit agreement, to the same extent as the holders of our ordinary shares. Cash dividends will be paid to the depositary of our ADSs in U.S. dollars, which will distribute them to the holders of ADSs according to the terms of the deposit agreement. Other distributions, if any, will be paid by the depositary to the holders of ADSs in any means it deems legal, fair and practical. We are a holding company incorporated in the Cayman Islands. We principally rely on dividends from our subsidiaries in China and Hong Kong for our cash needs. To pay dividends to us, our subsidiaries in China and Hong Kong need to comply with the applicable regulations. See ‘‘Item 3.D. Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Doing Business in China—We principally rely on dividends and other distributions on equity paid by Vipshop China in China to fund our cash and financing requirements, and any limitation on the ability of Vipshop China to make payments to us could materially and adversely affect our ability to conduct our business.’’ B. Significant Changes Except as disclosed elsewhere in this annual report, we have not experienced any significant changes since the date of our audited consolidated financial statements included in this annual report. ITEM 9. THE OFFER AND LISTING A. Offer and Listing Details Our ADSs, each representing 0.2 Class A ordinary share, have been listed on NYSE since March 23, 2012. Our ADSs trade under the symbol ‘‘VIPS.’’ The following table provides the high and low trading prices on NYSE for the periods indicated below, and all prices have been retrospectively adjusted to reflect the current ADS to ordinary share 127 ratio of five ADSs to one Class A ordinary share effective on November 3, 2014 for all periods presented. Trading Price Per ADS High (US$) Low (US$) Monthly High and Low April 2018 (through April 18, 2018) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . March 2018 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . February 2018 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . January 2018 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . December 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . November 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Quarterly High and Low First Quarter 2018 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fourth Quarter 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Third Quarter 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Second Quarter 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . First Quarter 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fourth Quarter 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Third Quarter 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Second Quarter 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . First Quarter 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Annual High and Low 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17.43 18.99 19.14 17.75 12.11 14.36 19.14 12.60 12.50 15.49 14.50 16.24 17.41 15.03 15.34 15.49 17.41 30.72 24.80 9.12 15.57 15.93 14.30 11.73 10.84 10.61 11.73 7.79 8.72 10.50 10.50 10.61 10.97 10.21 10.37 7.79 10.21 12.02 8.02 1.57 B. Plan of Distribution Not applicable. C. Markets Our ADSs, each representing 0.2 Class A ordinary shares, have been listed on NYSE since March 23, 2012. Our ADSs trade under the symbol ‘‘VIPS.’’ D. Selling Shareholders Not applicable. E. Dilution Not applicable. F. Expenses of the Issue Not applicable. ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION A. Share Capital Not applicable. 128 B. Memorandum and Articles of Association Our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association became effective on September 15, 2014. The following are summaries of material provisions of our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association and the Companies Law insofar as they relate to the material terms of our ordinary shares. Registered Office and Objects Pursuant to Article 2 of our second amended and restated memorandum of association, our registered office is at the offices of International Corporation Services Ltd., PO Box 472, 2nd Floor, Harbour Place, 103 South Church Street, George Town, Grand Cayman KY1-1106, Cayman Islands or at such other place as our board of directors may from time to time decide. Pursuant to Article 3 of our second amended and restated memorandum of association, the objects for which our company is established are unrestricted and our company has full power and authority to carry out any object not prohibited by the Companies Law as the same may be revised from time to time, or any other law of the Cayman Islands. Directors See ‘‘Item 6.C. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—Board Practices.’’ Ordinary Shares General. All of our outstanding Class A and Class B ordinary shares are fully paid and non-assessable. Certificates representing the Class A and Class B ordinary shares are issued in registered form. Our shareholders may freely hold and vote their shares. Each holder of our Class A ordinary shares is entitled to one vote for each Class A ordinary share held on matters submitted to a vote of shareholders, and each holder of our Class B ordinary shares is entitled to ten votes for each Class B ordinary share held on matters submitted to a vote of shareholders. Dividends. The holders of our ordinary shares are entitled to such dividends as may be declared by our board of directors subject to the Companies Law. Voting Rights. Each Class A ordinary share is entitled to one vote and each Class B ordinary share is entitled to ten votes on all matters upon which the ordinary shares are entitled to vote. Voting at any shareholders’ meeting is by show of hands unless a poll is demanded. A poll may be demanded by one or more shareholders holding at least 10% of the paid up voting share capital, present in person or by proxy. A quorum required for a meeting of shareholders consists of at least one shareholder present in person or by proxy or, if a corporation or other non-natural person, by its duly authorized representative, who holds no less than one-third of our voting share capital. Shareholders’ meetings are held annually and may be convened by our board of directors on its own initiative or upon a request to the directors by shareholders holding in aggregate at least one-third of our voting share capital. Advance notice to shareholders of at least seven days is required for the convening of our annual general meeting and other shareholders’ meetings. An ordinary resolution to be passed by the shareholders requires a simple majority of votes cast in a general meeting, while a special resolution requires no less than two-thirds of the votes cast. A special resolution is required for important matters such as a change of name. Our shareholders may effect certain changes by ordinary resolution, including increasing the amount of our authorized share capital, consolidating and dividing all or any of our share capital into shares of larger amount than our existing shares and canceling any shares. 129 Transfer of Shares. Subject to the restrictions of our memorandum and articles of association, as applicable, any of our shareholders may transfer all or any of his or her ordinary shares by an instrument of transfer in the usual or common form or any other form approved by our board. Our board of directors may, in its sole discretion, decline to register any transfer of any ordinary share which is not fully paid up or on which we have a lien. Our directors may also decline to register any transfer of any share unless (a) the instrument of transfer is lodged with us, accompanied by the certificate for the shares to which it relates and such other evidence as our board of directors may reasonably require to show the right of the transferor to make the transfer; (b) the instrument of transfer is in respect of only one class of shares; (c) the instrument of transfer is properly stamped, if required; (d) in the case of a transfer to joint holders, the number of joint holders to whom the share is to be transferred does not exceed four; (e) the shares conceded are free of any lien in favor of us; or (f) a fee of such maximum sum as NYSE may determine to be payable, or such lesser sum as our board of directors may from time to time require, has been paid to us in respect thereof. If our directors refuse to register a transfer they shall, within two months after the date on which the instrument of transfer was lodged, send to each of the transferor and the transferee notice of such refusal. The registration of transfers may, on 14 days’ notice being given by advertisement in such one or more newspapers or by electronic means, be suspended and the register closed at such times and for such periods as our board of directors may from time to time determine, provided, however, that the registration of transfers shall not be suspended nor the register closed for more than 30 days in any year. Liquidation. On a return of capital on winding up or otherwise (other than on conversion, redemption or purchase of shares), assets available for distribution among the holders of ordinary shares shall be distributed among the holders of the ordinary shares in accordance with the Companies Law and the memorandum or articles of association of the company. If our assets available for distribution are insufficient to repay all of the paid-up capital, the assets will be distributed so that the losses are borne by our shareholders proportionately. Calls on Shares and Forfeiture of Shares. Our board of directors may from time to time make calls upon shareholders for any amounts unpaid on their shares in a notice served to such shareholders at least 14 days prior to the specified time of payment. The shares that have been called upon and remain unpaid on the specified time are subject to forfeiture. Redemption of Shares. Subject to the provisions of the Companies Law, we may issue shares on terms that are subject to redemption, at our option or at the option of the holders, on such terms and in such manner as may be determined by special resolution. Variations of Rights of Shares. All or any of the special rights attached to any class of shares may, subject to the provisions of the Companies Law, be varied either with the written consent of the holders of a majority of the issued shares of that class or with the sanction of a special resolution passed at a general meeting of the holders of the shares of that class. The rights conferred upon the holders of the shares of any class shall not, unless otherwise expressly provided by the terms of issue of the shares of that class, be deemed to be varied by the creation or issue of further shares ranking in priority to or pari passu with such previously existing shares. Inspection of Books and Records. Holders of our ordinary shares will have no general right under Cayman Islands law to inspect or obtain copies of our list of shareholders or our corporate records. However, we will provide our shareholders with annual audited financial statements. 130 Anti-Takeover Provisions. Some provisions of our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association may discourage, delay or prevent a change of control of our company or management that shareholders may consider favorable, including provisions that: (cid:127) authorize our board of directors to issue preferred shares in one or more series and to designate the price, rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions of such preferred shares without any further vote or action by our shareholders; and (cid:127) limit the ability of shareholders to requisition and convene general meetings of shareholders. However, under Cayman Islands law, our directors may only exercise the rights and powers granted to them under our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association for a proper purpose and for what they believe in good faith to be in the best interests of our company. C. Material Contracts Other than in the ordinary course of business and other than those described under this item, in ‘‘Item 4. Information on the Company,’’ ‘‘Item 7.B. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions—Related Party Transactions’’ or elsewhere in this annual report, we have not entered into any material contract during the two years immediately preceding the date of this annual report: (i) a contract for assignment of State-owned construction land use right dated July 16, 2015 between Guangzhou Municipal Bureau of Land Resources and Housing Management and Guangzhou Vipshop Data Technology Co., Ltd.; (ii) a contract for assignment of State-owned construction land use right dated August 20, 2015 between Guangzhou Municipal Bureau of Land Resources and Housing Management and Guangzhou Vipshop Data Technology Co., Ltd.; (iii) a subscription agreement dated December 17, 2017 by and among Windcreek Limited, Tencent Mobility Limited and Vipshop Holdings Limited; (iv) a business cooperation framework agreement dated December 17, 2017 by and among JD.com and Vipshop Holdings Limited; (v) a strategic cooperation framework agreement dated December 17, 2017 by and among Shenzhen Tencent Computer Systems Company Limited and Vipshop Holdings Limited; and (vi) an investor rights agreement dated December 29, 2017 by and among Vipshop Holdings Limited, Mr. Eric Ya Shen, Mr. Arthur Xiaobo Hong, Elephant Motion Holdings Limited, High Vivacity Holdings Limited, Windcreek Limited and Tencent Mobility Limited. D. Exchange Controls See ‘‘Item 4.B. Information on the Company—Business Overview—Regulation—Regulations on Foreign Currency Exchange.’’ E. Taxation Cayman Islands Taxation The Cayman Islands currently levies no taxes on individuals or corporations based upon profits, income, gains or appreciation and there is no taxation in the nature of inheritance tax or estate duty. There are no other taxes likely to be material to us levied by the government of the Cayman Islands except for stamp duties which may be applicable on instruments executed in, or brought within the jurisdiction of the Cayman Islands. The Cayman Islands is not party to any double tax treaties that are applicable to any payments made to or by us. There are no exchange control regulations or currency restrictions in the Cayman Islands. 131 People’s Republic of China Taxation PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law Under the EIT Law, an enterprise established outside of China with ‘‘de facto management bodies’’ within China is considered a PRC ‘‘resident enterprise,’’ meaning it can be treated in a manner similar to a PRC enterprise for EIT purposes, although the dividends paid to a PRC resident enterprise from another may qualify as ‘‘tax-exempt income.’’ The implementation rules of the EIT Law define a ‘‘de facto management body’’ as a body that has substantial and overall management and control over the manufacturing and business operations, personnel and human resources, finances and properties of an enterprise. SAT Circular 82 issued by SAT on April 22, 2009 specifies that certain offshore enterprises controlled by a PRC company or a PRC company group will be classified as PRC ‘‘resident enterprises’’ if the following requirements are satisfied: (a) the senior management and core management departments in charge of its daily operations function are mainly in China; (b) its financial and human resources decisions are subject to determination or approval by persons or bodies in China; (c) its major assets, accounting books, company seals, and minutes and files of its board and shareholders’ meetings are located or kept in China; and (d) at least half of the enterprise’s directors with voting rights or senior management reside in China. Although SAT Circular 82 only applies to offshore enterprises controlled by PRC enterprises and not those controlled by PRC individuals, the determination criteria set forth in SAT Circular 82 may reflect SAT’s general position on how the ‘‘de facto management body’’ test should be applied in determining tax resident status of offshore enterprises, regardless of whether they are controlled by PRC enterprises or PRC individuals. We believe that we are not a PRC resident enterprise and therefore we are not subject to PRC EIT reporting obligations and the dividends paid by us to holders of our ADSs or ordinary shares will not be subject to PRC withholding tax. However, if the PRC tax authorities determine that we are a PRC resident enterprise for EIT purposes, we may be required to withhold a 10% withholding tax from dividends we pay to our non-PRC enterprise shareholders and a 20% withholding tax from dividends we pay to our non-PRC individual shareholders, including the holders of our ADSs. In addition, non-PRC shareholders may be subject to PRC tax on gains realized on the sale or other disposition of ADSs or ordinary shares if such income is treated as China-sourced income. It is unclear whether our non-PRC shareholders would be able to claim the benefits of any tax treaties between their tax residence and China in the event we are treated as a PRC resident enterprise. See ‘‘Item 3.D. Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Doing Business in China—It is unclear whether we will be considered a PRC ‘resident enterprise’ under the PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law and, depending on the determination of our PRC ‘resident enterprise’ status, our global income may be subject to the 25% PRC enterprise income tax, which could materially and adversely affect our results of operations.’’ Enterprise Income Tax for Share Transfer by Non-PRC Resident Enterprises On February 3, 2015, SAT issued SAT Public Notice 7. In December 2017, Article 13 and Paragraph 2 of Article 8 of SAT Public Notice 7 were abolished Pursuant to the SAT Public Notice 7, as amended, where a non-PRC resident enterprise indirectly transfers equities and other properties of a PRC resident enterprise to evade its obligation of paying EIT by implementing arrangements that are not for reasonable commercial purpose, such indirect transfer shall be re-identified and recognized as a direct transfer of equities and other properties of the PRC resident enterprise. SAT Public Notice 7, as amended, provides clear criteria for assessment of reasonable commercial purposes and has introduced safe harbors for internal group restructurings and the purchase and sale of equity interests through a public securities market. SAT Public Notice 7, as amended, also brings challenges to both offshore transferor and transferee (or other person who is obligated to pay for the transfer) of taxable assets. Where a non-PRC resident enterprise transfers taxable assets indirectly by disposing of the equity interests of an offshore holding company, which is an Indirect Transfer, the non-PRC resident enterprise as either transferor or transferee, or the PRC entity that directly owns the taxable assets, 132 may report such Indirect Transfer to the relevant PRC tax authority. Using a ‘‘substance over form’’ principle, the PRC tax authority may disregard the existence of the offshore holding company if it lacks a reasonable commercial purpose and was established for the purpose of reducing, avoiding or deferring PRC tax. As a result, gains derived from such Indirect Transfer may be subject to EIT, and the transferee or other person who is obligated to pay for the transfer is obligated to withhold the applicable taxes, currently at a rate of 10% for the transfer of equity interests in a PRC resident enterprise. Both the transferor and the transferee may be subject to penalties under PRC tax laws if the transferee fails to withhold the taxes and the transferor fails to pay the taxes. PRC Value-Added Tax (VAT) Law China started to apply VAT in 1984 on 24 specified taxable items until a structural reform on taxation system was implemented in 1994. In December 1993, the PRC State Council promulgated the Provisional Regulation of the People’s Republic of China on Value-Added Tax, which went effective on January 1, 1994 and amended on February 6, 2016 and November 19, 2017, respectively, and is currently effective in China. According to this provisional regulation, VAT should be paid by enterprises or individuals who sell merchandise or labor services of processing, repairing or assembling, sell services, intangible assets or real property, or import goods within China on the added value derived from their production and/or services. Based on the categories of taxable goods and services, different flat rates are adopted ranging from zero to 17%. We also conduct product promotional activities for certain brands on our Vipshop Online Platform. Prior to January 1, 2012, pursuant to Provisional Regulation of the People’s Republic of China on Business Tax which was abolished on November 19, 2017 and its implementing rules, any entity or individual rendering services in the PRC territory is generally subject to a business tax at the rate of 5% on the revenues generated from provision of such services. In November 2011, MOF and SAT jointly issued two circulars setting out the details of the VAT Pilot Program, which change business tax to VAT for certain industries, including, among others, transportation services, research and development and technical services, information technology services, and cultural and creative services. The VAT Pilot Program initially applied only to these industries in Shanghai, and expanded to eight additional provinces, including Beijing, Tianjin, Zhejiang Province (including Ningbo), Anhui Province, Guangdong Province (including Shenzhen), Fujian Province (including Xiamen), Hubei Province and Jiangsu province, in 2012. On May 24, 2013, MOF and SAT jointly issued SAT Circular 37, which expanded the VAT Pilot Program nationwide as of August 1, 2013. On December 12, 2013, SAT issued SAT Circular 106, which replaced SAT Circular 37 and expanded the VAT Pilot Program to also cover railway transport industry and postal service industry nationwide as of January 1, 2014, in addition to those industries covered under SAT Circular 37. On April 29, 2014, MOF and SAT issued the Circular on the Inclusion of Telecommunications Industry in the Pilot Collection of Value-Added Tax in Lieu of Business Tax, or the SAT Circular 43, expanding the VAT Pilot Program to also cover telecommunications industry nationwide as of June 1, 2014. On March 23, 2016, MOF and SAT issued the Circular on Comprehensively Promoting the Pilot Program of the Collection of Value-Added Tax in Lieu of Business Tax, or the SAT Circular 36, replacing SAT Circular 106 and SAT Circular 43. Effective from May 1, 2016, the PRC tax authorities will collect VAT in lieu of business tax on a trial basis within the PRC territory, and in industries such as construction industries, real estate industries, financial industries, and living service industries. On November 19, 2017, the State Council issued the Decision on Abolishing the Provisional Regulation of China on Business Tax and Amending the Provisional Regulation of China on Value-added Tax, pursuant to which, PRC tax authorities will collect VAT in lieu of business tax for all industries which should have been collected business tax within the PRC territory. Pursuant to the Provisional Regulation of China on Value-added Tax, as amended in 2017, entities and individuals that sell goods, provide labor services of processing, repairs or maintenance, or sell services, intangible assets or real property in China, or import goods to China, shall be subject to VAT with a VAT rate ranging from 6% to 17%. On March 28, 2018, the State Council made a decision 133 on its executive meetings that, effective from May 1, 2018, the VAT rate of manufacturing industry will be decreased from 17% to 16%, and the VAT rate of transportation services, construction services, basic telecommunications services and agricultural goods will be decreased from 11% to 10%. To compute the VAT payable, the subject taxpayer needs to separately calculate the output tax and the input tax for the applicable period. The VAT payable is the difference between the output tax and the input tax. The formula for computing the tax payable is: VAT payable = Output tax payable for the applicable period minus Input tax receivable for the same applicable period As of December 31, 2016, and 2017, we had VAT receivable of approximately RMB555.9 million and RMB791.2 million (US$121.6 million) respectively. VAT receivable occurs due to timing difference on operation of certain entities, as we record the revenue and VAT output when goods are delivered, but VAT input invoice from suppliers may be delayed. We also had VAT tax payable of RMB258.2 million and RMB525.9 million (US$80.8 million) as of 2016 and 2017, respectively, included as other tax payable. We do not net off VAT receivable and payable from different entities within our group companies. United States Federal Income Tax Considerations The following is a summary of United States federal income tax considerations with respect to the ownership and disposition of our ADSs or Class A ordinary shares by a U.S. Holder, as defined below, that holds our ADSs or Class A ordinary shares as ‘‘capital assets’’ (generally, property held for investment) under the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code. This summary is based upon existing United States federal tax law, which is subject to differing interpretations or change, possibly with retroactive effect. No ruling has been sought from the Internal Revenue Service, or the IRS, with respect to any United States federal income tax consequences described below, and there can be no assurance that the IRS or a court will not take a contrary position. This summary does not discuss all aspects of United States federal income taxation that may be important to particular investors in light of their individual investment circumstances, including investors subject to special tax rules (for example, financial institutions, insurance companies, broker- dealers, traders in securities that elect mark-to-market treatment, partnerships and their partners, pension plans, regulated investment companies, real estate investment trusts, cooperatives, and tax-exempt organizations (including private foundations)), holders who are not U.S. Holders, holders who own (directly, indirectly, or constructively) 10% or more of our stock, holders that hold their ADSs or Class A ordinary shares as part of a straddle, hedge, conversion, constructive sale, or other integrated transaction for United States federal income tax purposes, United States expatriates, persons liable for alternative minimum tax, holders who acquired their ADSs or Class A ordinary shares pursuant to any employee share option or otherwise as compensation, or holders that have a functional currency other than the United States dollar, all of whom may be subject to tax rules that differ significantly from those summarized below. In addition, this summary of United States federal income tax considerations does not discuss any state, local, or non-United States tax considerations, any non-income tax (such as gift or estate tax) considerations, or the Medicare Tax. Each U.S. Holder is advised to consult its tax advisors regarding the United States federal, state, local, and non-United States income and other tax considerations of an investment in our ADSs or Class A ordinary shares. General For purposes of this summary, a ‘‘U.S. Holder’’ is a beneficial owner of our ADSs or Class A ordinary shares that is, for United States federal income tax purposes, (a) an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States, (b) a corporation (or other entity treated as a corporation for United States federal income tax purposes) created in, or organized under the law of, the United States or any state thereof or the District of Columbia, (c) an estate the income of which is includible in gross income for United States federal income tax purposes regardless of its source, or (d) a trust (A) the administration of which is subject to the primary supervision of a United States court and which has one or more United States persons who have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust or (B) that has otherwise elected to be treated as a United States person under the Code. 134 If a partnership (or other entity treated as a partnership for United States federal income tax purposes) is a beneficial owner of our ADSs or Class A ordinary shares, the tax treatment of a partner in the partnership will generally depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. Partnerships and partners of a partnership holding our ADSs or Class A ordinary shares are advised to consult their tax advisors regarding an investment in our ADSs or Class A ordinary shares. It is generally expected that a U.S. Holder of ADSs should be treated as the beneficial owner, for United States federal income tax purposes, of the underlying shares represented by the ADSs. The remainder of this discussion assumes that a holder of ADSs will be treated in this manner. Accordingly, deposits or withdrawals of Class A ordinary shares for ADSs will not be subject to United States federal income tax. Passive Foreign Investment Company Considerations A non-United States corporation, such as our company, will be a PFIC for United States federal income tax purposes for any taxable year if either (a) 75% or more of its gross income for such year consists of certain types of ‘‘passive’’ income or (b) 50% or more of the average quarterly value of its assets (as determined on the basis of fair market value) during such year is attributable to assets that produce or are held for the production of passive income. For this purpose, cash and assets readily convertible into cash are categorized as passive assets and the company’s goodwill and other unbooked intangibles associated with active business activities may generally be classified as active assets. Passive income generally includes, among other things, dividends, interest, rents, royalties, and gains from the disposition of passive assets. We will be treated as owning a proportionate share of the assets and earning a proportionate share of the income of any other corporation in which we own, directly or indirectly, more than 25% (by value) of the stock. Although the law in this regard is unclear, we treat our consolidated affiliated entities (and their subsidiaries) as being owned by us for United States federal income tax purposes, not only because we control their management decisions but also because we are entitled to substantially all of the economic benefits associated with these entities, and, as a result, we consolidate these entities’ operating results in our consolidated financial statements. If it were determined, however, that we are not the owner of any of our consolidated affiliated entities (or their subsidiaries) for United States federal income tax purposes, we would likely be treated as a PFIC for the current taxable year or any future taxable year. Assuming that we are the owner of our consolidated affiliated entities (and their subsidiaries) for United States federal income tax purposes, and based upon our income and assets and the market price of our ADSs, we do not believe that we were a PFIC for the taxable year ended December 31, 2017 and do not anticipate becoming a PFIC in the foreseeable future. While we do not expect to become a PFIC, the determination of whether we will be or become a PFIC will depend in part upon the market price of our ADSs, which we cannot control. Among other matters, if our market capitalization declines, we may be classified as a PFIC for the current or future taxable years. It is also possible that the IRS may challenge our classification or valuation of our goodwill and other unbooked intangibles, which may result in our company being, or becoming, a PFIC for the current or one or more future taxable years. The determination of whether we are or will be a PFIC will also depend, in part, on the composition of our income and our assets, which will be affected by how, and how quickly, we use our liquid assets. Under circumstances where we determine not to deploy significant amounts of cash for active purposes, our risk of becoming classified as a PFIC may substantially increase. Because there are uncertainties in the application of the relevant rules and PFIC status is a fact-intensive determination made on an annual basis, no assurance can be given that we are not or will not become a PFIC and our special United States counsel expresses no opinion with respect to our PFIC status and also expresses no opinion with respect to our expectations regarding our PFIC status. If we are a PFIC for 135 any year during which a U.S. Holder holds our ADSs or Class A ordinary shares, we generally will continue to be treated as a PFIC for all succeeding years during which such U.S. Holder holds our ADSs or Class A ordinary shares. The discussion below under ‘‘Dividends’’ and ‘‘Sale or Other Disposition of ADSs or Class A Ordinary Shares’’ assumes that we will not be a PFIC for United States federal income tax purposes. The United States federal income tax rules that apply if we are a PFIC for the current taxable year or any subsequent taxable year are generally discussed below under ‘‘Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules.’’ Dividends Subject to the PFIC rules discussed below, any cash distributions (including the amount of any PRC tax withheld) paid on our ADSs or Class A ordinary shares out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined under United States federal income tax principles, will generally be includible in the gross income of a U.S. Holder as dividend income on the day actually or constructively received by the U.S. Holder, in the case of Class A ordinary shares, or by the depositary, in the case of ADSs. Because we do not intend to determine our earnings and profits on the basis of United States federal income tax principles, any distribution paid will generally be reported as a ‘‘dividend’’ for United States federal income tax purposes. A non-corporate recipient of dividend income generally will be subject to tax on dividend income from a ‘‘qualified foreign corporation’’ at a reduced capital gains rate rather than the marginal tax rates generally applicable to ordinary income provided that certain holding period requirements and other requirements are met. Each U.S. Holder is advised to consult its tax advisors regarding the availability of the reduced tax rate on dividends to its particular circumstances. A non-United States corporation (other than a corporation that is classified as a PFIC for the taxable year in which the dividend is paid or the preceding taxable year) generally will be considered to be a qualified foreign corporation (a) if it is eligible for the benefits of a comprehensive tax treaty with the United States which the Secretary of Treasury of the United States determines is satisfactory for purposes of this provision and which includes an exchange of information provision, or (b) with respect to any dividend it pays on stock (or ADSs in respect of such stock) which is readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States. Our ADSs are listed on NYSE, which is an established securities market in the United States, and we expect our ADSs to be readily tradable on NYSE for as long as our ADSs continue to be listed on NYSE. Accordingly, we believe that dividends we pay on our ADSs will meet the conditions required for the reduced tax rate. Since we do not expect that our Class A ordinary shares will be listed on an established securities market in the United States, it is unclear whether dividends that we pay on our Class A ordinary shares that are not backed by ADSs currently meet the conditions required for these reduced tax rates. There can be no assurance that our ADSs will be considered readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States in later years. In the event that we are deemed to be a PRC ‘‘resident enterprise’’ and are liable to tax under EIT Law, we should be eligible for the benefits of the United States-PRC income tax treaty (the ‘‘U.S.-PRC Treaty’’), which the Secretary of Treasury of the United States has determined is satisfactory for purposes of clause (a) above and which includes an exchange of information provision. If we are eligible for such benefits, dividends we pay on our Class A ordinary shares, regardless of whether such shares are represented by the ADSs, would generally be eligible for the reduced rate of taxation applicable to qualified dividend income whether or not such shares are readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States. Dividends received on the ADSs or Class A ordinary shares will not be eligible for the dividends received deduction allowed to corporations. Each U.S. Holder is advised to consult its tax advisors regarding the availability of the lower capital gains rate 136 applicable to qualified dividend income for any dividends we pay with respect to our ADSs or Class A ordinary shares. Dividends paid on our ADSs or Class A ordinary shares generally will be treated as income from foreign sources for United States foreign tax credit purposes and generally will constitute passive category income. In the event that we are deemed to be a PRC ‘‘resident enterprise’’ under the EIT Law, a U.S. Holder may be subject to PRC withholding taxes on dividends paid on our ADSs or Class A ordinary shares. A U.S. Holder may be eligible, subject to a number of complex limitations, to claim a foreign tax credit in respect of any foreign withholding taxes imposed on dividends received on our ADSs or Class A ordinary shares. A U.S. Holder who does not elect to claim a foreign tax credit for foreign tax withheld may instead claim a deduction for United States federal income tax purposes in respect of such withholdings, but only for a year in which such U.S. Holder elects to do so for all creditable foreign income taxes. The rules governing the foreign tax credit are complex. Each U.S. Holder is advised to consult its tax advisors regarding the availability of the foreign tax credit under its particular circumstances. Sale or Other Disposition of ADSs or Class A Ordinary Shares Subject to the PFIC rules discussed below, a U.S. Holder will generally recognize capital gain or loss upon the sale or other disposition of ADSs or Class A ordinary shares in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized upon the disposition and the U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in such ADSs or Class A ordinary shares. Any capital gain or loss will be long-term if the ADSs or Class A ordinary shares have been held for more than one year and will generally be United States source gain or loss for United States foreign tax credit purposes. Long-term capital gain of non-corporate U.S. Holders is generally eligible for a reduced rate of taxation. In the event that we are deemed to be a PRC ‘‘resident enterprise’’ under the EIT Law and gain from the disposition of the ADSs or Class A ordinary shares is subject to tax in China, a U.S. Holder that is eligible for the benefits of the U.S.-PRC Treaty may elect to treat the gain as PRC source income. The deductibility of a capital loss may be subject to limitations. Each U.S. Holder is advised to consult its tax advisors regarding the tax consequences if a foreign tax is imposed on a disposition of our ADSs or Class A ordinary shares, including the availability of the foreign tax credit under its particular circumstances. Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules If we are a PFIC for any taxable year during which a U.S. Holder holds our ADSs or Class A ordinary shares, unless the U.S. Holder makes a mark-to-market election (as described below), the U.S. Holder will generally be subject to special tax rules that have a penalizing effect, regardless of whether we remain a PFIC, on (a) any excess distribution that we make to the U.S. Holder (which generally means any distribution paid during a taxable year to a U.S. Holder that is greater than 125% of the average annual distributions paid in the three preceding taxable years or, if shorter, the U.S. Holder’s holding period for the ADSs or Class A ordinary shares), and (b) any gain realized on the sale or other disposition, including, under certain circumstances, a pledge, of ADSs or Class A ordinary shares. Under the PFIC rules: (cid:127) such excess distribution and/or gain will be allocated ratably over the U.S. Holder’s holding period for the ADSs or Class A ordinary shares; (cid:127) such amount allocated to the current taxable year and any taxable years in the U.S. Holder’s holding period prior to the first taxable year in which we are classified as a PFIC, or pre-PFIC year, will be taxable as ordinary income; (cid:127) such amount allocated to each prior taxable year, other than a pre-PFIC year, will be subject to tax at the highest tax rate in effect applicable to individuals or corporations as appropriate for that year; and 137 (cid:127) an interest charge generally applicable to underpayments of tax will be imposed on the tax attributable to each prior taxable year, other than a pre-PFIC year. If we are a PFIC for any taxable year during which a U.S. Holder holds our ADSs or Class A ordinary shares and any of our non-United States subsidiaries is also a PFIC (i.e., a lower-tier PFIC), such U.S. Holder would be treated as owning a proportionate amount (by value) of the shares of the lower-tier PFIC and would be subject to the rules described above on certain distributions by a lower-tier PFIC and a disposition of shares of a lower-tier PFIC even though such U.S. Holder would not receive the proceeds of those distributions or dispositions. Each U.S. Holder is advised to consult its tax advisors regarding the application of the PFIC rules to any of our subsidiaries. As an alternative to the foregoing rules, if we are a PFIC, a U.S. Holder of ‘‘marketable stock’’ may make a mark-to-market election with respect to our ADSs, provided that the ADSs are regularly traded on NYSE. In addition, we do not expect that holders of Class A ordinary shares that are not represented by ADSs will be eligible to make a mark-to-market election. We anticipate that our ADSs should qualify as being regularly traded, but no assurances may be given in this regard. If a U.S. Holder makes this election, the U.S. Holder will generally (a) include as ordinary income for each taxable year that we are a PFIC the excess, if any, of the fair market value of ADSs held at the end of the taxable year over the adjusted tax basis of such ADSs and (b) deduct as an ordinary loss the excess, if any, of the adjusted tax basis of the ADSs over the fair market value of such ADSs held at the end of the taxable year, but such deduction will only be allowed to the extent of the net amount previously included in income as a result of the mark-to-market election. The U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in the ADSs would be adjusted to reflect any income or loss resulting from the mark-to-market election. If a U.S. Holder makes a mark-to-market election, any gain recognized upon the sale or other disposition of ADSs will be treated as ordinary income and any loss will be treated as ordinary loss, but only to the extent of the net amount previously included in the income as a result of the mark-to-market election. If a U.S. Holder makes a mark-to-market election and we cease to be a PFIC, the U.S. Holder will not be required to take into account the mark-to-market gain or loss described above during any period that we are not classified as a PFIC. Because a mark-to-market election cannot be made for any lower-tier PFICs that we may own, a U.S. Holder may continue to be subject to the PFIC rules with respect to such U.S. Holder’s indirect interest in any investments held by us that are treated as an equity interest in a PFIC for United States federal income tax purposes. We do not intend to provide the information necessary for U.S. Holders to make qualified electing fund elections, which, if available, would result in tax treatment different from the general tax treatment for PFICs described above. If a U.S. Holder owns our ADSs or Class A ordinary shares during any taxable year that we are a PFIC, the U.S. Holder must file an annual report containing such information as the United States Treasury Department may require and will generally be required to file an annual IRS Form 8621. Each U.S. Holder is advised to consult its tax advisors concerning the United States federal income tax consequences of purchasing, holding, and disposing of ADSs or Class A ordinary shares if we are or become a PFIC, including the possibility of making a mark-to-market election. Information Reporting U.S. Holders may be subject to information reporting to the IRS with respect to dividends on and proceeds from the sale or other disposition of our ADSs or Class A ordinary shares. Each U.S. Holder is advised to consult its tax advisors regarding the application of the United States information reporting rules to its particular circumstances. Certain U.S. Holders who hold ‘‘specified foreign financial assets,’’ including stock of a non-U.S. corporation that is not held in an account maintained by a U.S. ‘‘financial institution,’’ whose aggregate 138 value exceeds US$50,000 during the tax year, may be required to attach to their tax returns for the year certain specified information. An individual who fails to timely furnish the required information may be subject to a penalty. U.S. Holders who are individuals should consult their own tax advisors regarding their reporting obligations under this legislation. F. Dividends and Paying Agents Not applicable. G. Statement by Experts Not applicable. H. Documents on Display We have filed with SEC a registration statement on Form F-1, including relevant exhibits and securities under the Securities Act with respect to underlying ordinary shares represented by the ADSs. We have also filed with SEC a related registration statement on Form F-6 (File No. 333-180029) to register the ADSs. We are subject to periodic reporting and other informational requirements of the Exchange Act as applicable to foreign private issuers. Accordingly, we are required to file reports, including annual reports on Form 20-F, and other information with SEC. All information filed with SEC can be obtained over the Internet at SEC’s website at www.sec.gov or inspected and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by SEC at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You can request copies of these documents, upon payment of a duplicating fee, by writing to the SEC. Please call SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 or visit the SEC website for further information on the operation of the public reference rooms. As a foreign private issuer, we are exempt from the rules of the Exchange Act prescribing the furnishing and content of proxy statements to shareholders, and our executive officers, directors and principal shareholders are exempt from the reporting and short-swing profit recovery provisions contained in Section 16 of the Exchange Act. In addition, we will not be required under the Exchange Act to file periodic reports and financial statements with SEC as frequently or as promptly as U.S. companies whose securities are registered under the Exchange Act. However, we intend to furnish the depositary with our annual reports, which will include a review of operations and annual audited consolidated financial statements prepared in conformity with U.S. GAAP, and all notices of shareholders’ meeting and other reports and communications that are made generally available to our shareholders. The depositary will make such notices, reports and communications available to holders of ADSs and, upon our written request, will mail to all record holders of ADSs the information contained in any notice of a shareholders’ meeting received by the depositary from us. I. Subsidiary Information Not applicable. ITEM 11. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK Interest Rate Risk Our exposure to interest rate risk primarily relates to the interest income generated by excess cash, which is mostly held in interest bearing demand deposits and held-to-maturity investments, and interest rates associated with the 2014 offering. The convertible senior notes we issued in the 2014 offering bear interest at a rate of 1.50% per year, payable semiannually in arrears on March 15 and September 15 of each year, beginning on September 15, 2014. Interest-earning instruments carry a degree of interest 139 rate risk. We have not been exposed to material risks due to changes in interest rates. We have not used any derivative financial instruments to manage our interest risk exposure. Based on our cash balance as of December 31, 2017, a one basis point decrease in interest rates would only result in a minimal decrease in our interest income on an annual basis. Our future interest income may fluctuate in line with changes in interest rates. However, the risks associated with fluctuating interest rates are principally confined to our interest-bearing cash deposits, and, therefore, our exposure to interest rate risk is limited. Foreign Exchange Risk All of our revenues and most of our expenses are denominated in Renminbi. Our exposure to foreign exchange risk primarily relates to the U.S. dollar proceeds of the public offerings of our equity securities, most or substantially all of which we expect to convert into Renminbi over time. As the impact of foreign currency risk on our operations was not material in the past, we have not used any forward contracts, currency borrowings or derivative instruments to hedge our exposure to foreign currency exchange risk. The value of the Renminbi against the U.S. dollar and other currencies may fluctuate and is affected by, among other things, changes in political and economic conditions in China and by China’s foreign exchange policies. On July 21, 2005, the PRC government changed its decade-old policy of pegging the value of the Renminbi to the U.S. dollar, and the Renminbi appreciated more than 20% against the U.S. dollar over the following three years. Between July 2008 and June 2010, this appreciation halted and the exchange rate between the Renminbi and the U.S. dollar remained within a narrow band. Since June 2010, the Renminbi has fluctuated against the U.S. dollar, at times significantly and unpredictably. It is difficult to predict how market forces or PRC or U.S. government policy may impact the exchange rate between the Renminbi and the U.S. dollar in the future. To the extent that we need to convert the U.S. dollars we receive from any offering or financing into Renminbi to fund our operations, acquisitions, or for other uses within the PRC, appreciation of the Renminbi against the U.S. dollar would have an adverse effect on the Renminbi amount we receive from the conversion. To the extent that we seek to convert Renminbi into U.S. dollars, depreciation of the Renminbi against the U.S. dollar would have an adverse effect on the U.S. dollar amount we receive from the conversion. On the other hand, a decline in the value of the Renminbi against the U.S. dollar could reduce the U.S. dollar equivalent of our financial results, the value of your investment in the company and the dividends that we may pay in the future, if any, all of which may materially and adversely affect the prices of our ADS. The Renminbi has fluctuated significantly against the U.S. dollar during the reporting periods presented, from a rate of RMB6.4778 to US$1.00 as of December 31, 2015 and to a rate of RMB6.9430 to US$1.00 as of December 30, 2016 and to a rate of RMB6.5063 to US$1.00 as of December 29, 2017. We are exposed to currency risk attributable to foreign currencies denominated monetary assets and liabilities that are different from the respective group entities’ functional currency, while as these monetary assets and liabilities are not material, and all of our revenues and most of our expenses are denominated in Renminbi, the changes in the exchange rates of Renminbi against U.S. dollars have not historically materially impacted our results of operations. We are not currently subject to any significant direct foreign exchange risk and accordingly, we have not hedged exposures denominated in foreign currencies, nor do we have any other derivative financial instruments outstanding. Based on the amount of our cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash as of December 31, 2017, a 1.0% change in the exchange rate between the Renminbi and the U.S. dollar would result in an increase or decrease of RMB58.6 million (US$9.0 million) to our cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash. 140 ITEM 12. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES A. Debt Securities Not applicable. B. Warrants and Rights Not applicable. C. Other Securities Not applicable. D. American Depositary Shares Fees and Charges Our ADS Holders May Have to Pay Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, the depositary of our ADS program, collects its fees for delivery and surrender of ADSs directly from investors depositing shares or surrendering ADSs for the purpose of withdrawal or from intermediaries acting for them. The depositary collects fees for making distributions to investors by deducting those fees from the amounts distributed or by selling a portion of distributable property to pay the fees. The depositary may collect its annual fee for depositary services by deducting from cash distributions or by directly billing investors or by charging the book-entry system accounts of participants acting for them. The depositary may generally refuse to provide fee-attracting services until its fees for those services are paid. Set forth below is a summary of fees holders of our ADSs may be required to pay for various services the depositary may provide: Service (cid:127) Issuance of ADSs, including issuances resulting from a distribution of shares or rights or other property Up to US$0.05 per ADS issued Fees (cid:127) Cancellation of ADSs, including the case of Up to US$0.05 per ADS cancelled termination of the deposit agreement (cid:127) Distribution of cash dividends or other cash Up to US$0.05 per ADS held distributions (cid:127) Distribution of ADSs pursuant to share Up to US$0.05 per ADS held dividends, free share distributions or exercise of rights. (cid:127) Distribution of securities other than ADSs or rights to purchase additional ADSs (cid:127) Depositary services A fee equivalent to the fee that would be payable if securities distributed to you had been ordinary shares and the ordinary shares had been deposited for issuance of ADSs Up to US$0.05 per ADS held on the applicable record date(s) established by the depositary bank (cid:127) Transfer of ADRs US$1.50 per certificate presented for transfer As an ADS holder, you will also be responsible to pay certain fees and expenses incurred by the depositary bank and certain taxes and governmental charges such as: (cid:127) Fees for the transfer and registration of ordinary shares charged by the registrar and transfer agent for the ordinary shares in the Cayman Islands (i.e., upon deposit and withdrawal of ordinary shares). 141 (cid:127) Expenses incurred for converting foreign currency into U.S. dollars. (cid:127) Expenses for cable, telex and fax transmissions and for delivery of securities. (cid:127) Taxes and duties upon the transfer of securities, including any applicable stamp duties, any stock transfer charges or withholding taxes (i.e., when ordinary shares are deposited or withdrawn from deposit). (cid:127) Fees and expenses incurred in connection with the delivery or servicing of ordinary shares on deposit. (cid:127) Fees and expenses incurred in connection with complying with exchange control regulations and other regulatory requirements applicable to ordinary shares, deposited securities, ADSs and ADRs. (cid:127) Any applicable fees and penalties thereon. Fees and Other Payments Made by the Depositary to Us The depositary has agreed to reimburse us for a portion of certain expenses we incur that are related to establishment and maintenance of the ADR program, including investor relations expenses. There are limits on the amount of expenses for which the depositary will reimburse us, but the amount of reimbursement available to us is not related to the amounts of fees the depositary collects from investors. Further, the depositary has agreed to reimburse us certain fees payable to the depositary by holders of ADSs. Neither the depositary nor we can determine the exact amount to be made available to us because (i) the number of ADSs that will be issued and outstanding, (ii) the level of service fees to be charged to holders of ADSs and (iii) our reimbursable expenses related to the program are not known at this time. ITEM 13. DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES PART II. None. ITEM 14. MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS On September 15, 2014, our shareholders voted in favor of a proposal to adopt a dual-class share structure, pursuant to which our authorized share capital was reclassified and re-designated into Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares, with each Class A ordinary share being entitled to one vote and each Class B ordinary share being entitled to ten votes on all matters that are subject to shareholder vote. See ‘‘Item 10. Additional Information’’ for a description of the rights of securities holders. ITEM 15. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES Disclosure Controls and Procedures As required by Rule 13a-15(b) under the Exchange Act, our senior management, with the participation of our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, has performed an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures within the meaning of Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act. Based upon that evaluation, our senior management has concluded that, as of December 31, 2017, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective. Disclosure controls and procedures means controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the 142 Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in SEC’s rule and forms and that such information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures. Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act. Our internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of our financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. GAAP and includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of our company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, and that receipts and expenditures of our company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and directors; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of the unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our company’s assets that could have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risks that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Our management conducted an assessment of the effectiveness of our company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017 based on the framework in Internal Control— Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this assessment, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2017. Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, our independent registered public accounting firm, audited the financial statements included in this annual report and issued an attestation report on our management’s assessment of our company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017. Attestation Report of the Registered Public Accounting Firm The attestation report on our management’s assessment of our company’s internal control over financial reporting issued by Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, our independent registered public accounting firm, appears on page F-3 of this annual report. Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting As required by Rule 13a-15(d), under the Exchange Act, our management, including our chief executive officer and our chief financial officer, also conducted an assessment of our company’s internal control over financial reporting to determine whether any changes occurred during the period covered by this annual report have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. Based on that assessment, it has been determined that there has been no such change during the period covered by this annual report. ITEM 16A. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT Our board of directors has determined that Ms. Kathleen Chien, an independent director (under the standards set forth in Section 303A of the NYSE Listed Company Manual and Rule 10A-3 under 143 the Exchange Act) and member of our audit committee, qualifies as an audit committee financial expert. ITEM 16B. CODE OF ETHICS Our board of directors has adopted a code of ethics that applies to all of the directors, officers and employees of us and our subsidiaries, whether they work for us on a full-time, part-time, consultative, or temporary basis. In addition, we expect those who do business with us, such as consultants, suppliers and collaborators, to also adhere to the principles outlined in the code of ethics. Certain provisions of the code of ethics apply specifically to our chief executive officer, chief financial officer, senior finance officer, controller, vice presidents and any other persons who perform similar functions for us. We have filed our code of business conduct and ethics as an exhibit to our registration statement on Form F-1 (No. 333-179581) in connection with our initial public offering in March 2012, which was incorporated by reference thereto in this annual report. ITEM 16C. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES The following table sets forth the aggregate fees by categories specified below in connection with certain professional services rendered by Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, our principal accountant, for the periods indicated. We did not pay any other fees to our principal accountant during the periods except as indicated below. Audit Fees(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Audit-Related Fees(2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tax Fees(3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . All Other Fees(4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2017 2016 RMB RMB (in thousands) 12,500 1,387 140 630 US$ 1,921 213 22 97 10,500 2,797 1,307 900 (1) ‘‘Audit Fees’’ represent the aggregate fees billed for each of the fiscal years listed for professional services rendered by our principal accountant for the audit of our annual consolidated financial statements, review of quarterly financial information, and audit services that are normally provided by the principal accountant in connection with regulatory filings or engagements for those fiscal years. (2) ‘‘Audit-Related Fees’’ represent the aggregate fees billed in each of the fiscal years listed for assurance and related services by our principal accountant that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of our financial statements and are not reported under ‘‘Audit Fees.’’ (3) ‘‘Tax Fees’’ represent the aggregate fees billed in each of the fiscal years listed for professional services rendered by our principal accountant for tax compliance, tax advice, and tax planning. (4) ‘‘All Other Fees’’ represent the aggregate fees billed in each of the fiscal years listed for products and services provided by our principal accountant, other than the services reported in (1), (2) and (3). All audit and permitted non-audit services provided by our principal accountant, including audit services, audit-related services, tax services and other services as described above, must be and have been approved in advance by our audit committee. ITEM 16D. EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES None. 144 ITEM 16E. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS On November 17, 2015, our board of directors has approved a share repurchase program, or the 2015 Repurchase Program, pursuant to which we were authorized to purchase our own ADSs with an aggregate value of up to US$300 million over the following 24-month period, ending on November 16, 2017. We funded the 2015 Repurchase Program out of our existing cash balance, including cash generated from our operations. Under the 2015 Repurchase Program, we were authorized to effect the proposed share repurchase on the open market at prevailing market prices, in negotiated transactions off the market, and/or in other legally permissible means from time to time as market conditions warrant in compliance with applicable requirements of Rule 10b5-1 and/or Rule 10b-18 under the Exchange Act, at times and in such amounts as we deem appropriate. As of December 31, 2017, we repurchased approximately 8.1 million our own ADSs with a total consideration of approximately US$130.4 million from the open market under the 2015 Repurchase Program. Period January 1 to January 31, 2017 . . . February 1 to February 29, 2017 . . March 1 to March 31, 2017 . . . . . April 1 to April 30, 2017 . . . . . . . May 1 to May 31, 2017 . . . . . . . . June 1 to June 30, 2017 . . . . . . . . July 1 to July 31, 2017 . . . . . . . . . August 1 to August 31, 2017 . . . . September 1 to September 30, 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . October 1 to October 31, 2017 . . . November 1 to November 30, 2017(2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . December 1 to December 31, 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total Total Number of ADS Purchased Average Price Paid Per ADS(1) Total Number of ADSs Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs — — — — — — — — — — — — — N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A — — — — — — — — — — — — — Approximate Dollar Value of ADSs that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs US$169,599,129 US$169,599,129 US$169,599,129 US$169,599,129 US$169,599,129 US$169,599,129 US$169,599,129 US$169,599,129 US$169,599,129 US$169,599,129 US$169,599,129 N/A N/A (1) Each ADS represents 0.2 Class A ordinary share. (2) The repurchase program ended on November 16, 2017. ITEM 16F. CHANGE IN REGISTRANT’S CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT None. ITEM 16G. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE Section 303A.08 of the NYSE Listed Company Manual requires a NYSE-listed company to obtain its shareholders’ approval when an equity compensation arrangement is established or materially amended. Section 303A.00 of the NYSE Listed Company Manual permits a foreign private issuer like our company to follow home country practice in certain corporate governance matters. Pursuant to the approval on July 1, 2014 by our board of directors, we adopted our 2014 Plan. Our Cayman Islands counsel has provided a letter to NYSE dated July 5, 2014 certifying that under Cayman Islands law, we are not required to obtain shareholders’ approval for adoption of an equity incentive plan. NYSE has acknowledged the receipt of such letter and our home country practice with respect to approval for the adoption of our 2014 Plan. 145 Other than the home country practices described above, we are not aware of any significant differences between our corporate governance practices and those followed by domestic companies under NYSE Listed Company Manual. ITEM 16H. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE Not applicable. ITEM 17. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS We have elected to provide financial statements pursuant to Item 18. PART III. ITEM 18. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The consolidated financial statements of Vipshop Holdings Limited are included at the end of this annual report. ITEM 19. EXHIBITS Exhibit Number 1.1 1.2 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Document Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to our Registration Statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-179581), as amended, initially filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 17, 2012). Second Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Registrant adopted by the shareholders of the Registrant on September 15, 2014 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to our Report of Foreign Private Issuer on Form 6-K furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 16, 2014). Form of Ordinary Share Certificate of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to our Registration Statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-179581), as amended, initially filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 17, 2012). Deposit Agreement among the Registrant, the depositary and all holders of the American Depositary Receipts of the Registrant, dated as of March 22, 2012 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to our Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File No. 333-181559) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 21, 2012). Form of Amendment to Deposit Agreement among the Registrant, the depositary and all holders of the American Depositary Receipts of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.(A)(2) to the Registration Statement on Form F-6EF filed by Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 21, 2014). Amended and Restated Shareholders’ Agreement, among the Registrant and other parties thereto dated as of April 11, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to our Registration Statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-179581), as amended, initially filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 17, 2012). 146 Exhibit Number 2.5 2.6 2.7 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 Document Indenture, dated as of March 17, 2014 between the Registrant and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.4 to our Annual Report on Form 20-F (File No. 001-35454) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 25, 2014). First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 17, 2014, between the Registrant and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.5 to our Annual Report on Form 20-F (File No. 001-35454) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 25, 2014). Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 11, 2014, between the Registrant and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.7 to our Annual Report on Form 20-F (File No. 001-35454) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 24, 2015). 2011 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Registration Statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-179581), as amended, initially filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 17, 2012). 2012 Share Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to our Registration Statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-179581), as amended, initially filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 17, 2012). 2014 Share Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Registration Statement on Form S-8, as amended, initially filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 22, 2014). Form of Employment Agreement between the Registrant and the executives of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our Registration Statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-179581), as amended, initially filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 17, 2012). Amended and Restated Business Operation Agreement, dated as of October 8, 2011, between Guangzhou Vipshop Computer Service Co., Ltd (now Vipshop (China) Co., Ltd.) and Guangzhou Vipshop Information Technology Co., Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to our Registration Statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-179581), as amended, initially filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 17, 2012). Fourth Amended and Restated Equity Interest Pledge Agreement, dated as of December 23, 2015, among Vipshop (China) Co., Ltd. (formerly known as Guangzhou Vipshop Computer Service Co., Ltd.), the shareholders of Guangzhou Vipshop Information Technology Co., Ltd. and Guangzhou Vipshop Information Technology Co., Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.8 to our Annual Report on Form 20-F (File No. 001-35454) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 22, 2016) Fourth Amended and Restated Exclusive Option Agreement, dated as of December 23, 2015, among Vipshop (China) Co., Ltd. (formerly known as Guangzhou Vipshop Computer Service Co., Ltd.), the shareholders of Guangzhou Vipshop Information Technology Co., Ltd. and Guangzhou Vipshop Information Technology Co., Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.9 to our Annual Report on Form 20-F (File No. 001-35454) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 22, 2016) 147 Exhibit Number 4.8 4.9 4.10 4.11 4.12 4.13 4.14 4.15 Document Third Amended and Restated Power of Attorney and Second Amended and Restated Power of Attorney, both dated as of December 23, 2015, by the respective shareholders of Guangzhou Vipshop Information Technology Co., Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.10 to our Annual Report on Form 20-F (File No. 001-35454) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 22, 2016) Form of Indemnity Agreement between the Registrant and its directors and officers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to our Registration Statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-179581), as amended, initially filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 17, 2012). English Translation of Contract for Assignment of State-owned Construction Land Use Right dated July 16, 2015 between Guangzhou Municipal Bureau of Land Resources and Housing Management and Guangzhou Vipshop Data Technology Co., Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.10 to our Annual Report on Form 20-F (File No. 001-35454) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 14, 2017) English Translation of Contract for Assignment of State-owned Construction Land Use Right dated August 20, 2015 between Guangzhou Municipal Bureau of Land Resources and Housing Management and Guangzhou Vipshop Data Technology Co., Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.11 to our Annual Report on Form 20-F (File No. 001-35454) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 14, 2017) Subscription Agreement dated December 17, 2017, among the Registrant, Windcreek Limited and Tencent Mobility Limited (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to our Report of Foreign Private Issuer on Form 6-K furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 18, 2017) Business Cooperation Framework Agreement dated December 17, 2017 among the Registrant and JD.com, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.3 to Schedule 13D (File No. 005-86788) filed by JD.com, Inc. with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 8, 2018) Strategic Cooperation Framework Agreement dated December 17, 2017 among the Registrant and Shenzhen Tencent Computer Systems Company Limited (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4 to Schedule 13D (File No. 005-86788) filed by Tencent Holdings Limited with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 8, 2018) Investor Rights Agreement dated December 29, 2017 among the Registrant, Mr. Eric Ya Shen, Mr. Arthur Xiaobo Hong, Elephant Motion Holdings Limited, High Vivacity Holdings Limited, Windcreek Limited and Tencent Mobility Limited (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.4 to Schedule 13D (File No. 005-86788) filed by JD.com, Inc. with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 8, 2018) 8.1* List of Significant Consolidated Entities of the Registrant. 11.1 Code of Business Conduct and Ethics of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to our Registration Statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-179581), as amended, initially filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 17, 2012). 12.1* Chief Executive Officer Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 148 Exhibit Number Document 12.2* Chief Financial Officer Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 13.1** Chief Executive Officer Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 13.2** Chief Financial Officer Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 15.1* Consent of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu 15.2* Consent of Han Kun Law Offices 15.3* Consent of Travers Thorp Alberga 101.INS* XBRL Instance Document 101.SCH* XBRL Taxonomy Extension Scheme Document 101.CAL* XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document 101.DEF* XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document 101.LAB* XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document 101.PRE* XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document * Filed with this annual report on Form 20-F. ** Furnished with this annual report on Form 20-F. 149 The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this annual report on its behalf. SIGNATURES Vipshop Holdings Limited By: /s/ ERIC YA SHEN Name: Eric Ya Shen Title: Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer Date: April 19, 2018 150 VIPSHOP HOLDINGS LIMITED INDEX TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2016 and 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income for each of the three years in Page F-2 F-4 the period ended December 31, 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-7 Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-8 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-10 Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-12 Schedule I—Financial Information of Parent Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-71 F-1 REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Vipshop Holdings Limited Opinion on the Financial Statements We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Vipshop Holdings Limited, subsidiaries, variable interest entities (‘‘VIEs’’) and VIEs’ subsidiaries (the ‘‘Group’’) as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the related consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows, for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017, the related notes and the schedule listed in the Schedule I (collectively referred to as the ‘‘financial statements’’). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Group as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Our audits also comprehended the translation of Renminbi amounts into United States dollar amounts and, in our opinion, such translation has been made in conformity with the basis stated in Note 2. Such United States dollar amounts are presented solely for the convenience of readers in the United States of America. We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Group’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated April 19, 2018, expressed an unqualified opinion on the Group’s internal control over financial reporting. Basis for Opinion These financial statements are the responsibility of the Group’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Group’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Group in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. /s/ Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Certified Public Accountants Hong Kong April 19, 2018 We have served as the Group’s auditor since 2011. F-2 REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Vipshop Holdings Limited Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Vipshop Holdings Limited, subsidiaries, VIEs and VIEs’ subsidiaries (the ‘‘Group’’) as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). In our opinion, the Group maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO. We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2017, of the Group and our report dated April 19, 2018, expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements. Basis for Opinion The Group’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financing Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Group’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Group in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB. We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion. Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. /s/ Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Certified Public Accountants Hong Kong April 19, 2018 F-3 VIPSHOP HOLDINGS LIMITED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (All amounts in thousands, except for share and par value data) As of December 31, 2016 RMB 2017 RMB ASSETS CURRENT ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Restricted cash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Held-to-maturity investments (Note 6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Accounts receivable, net (Note 4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amounts due from related parties (Note 26(a)) Other receivables and prepayments, net (Note 5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inventories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deferred tax assets (Note 23) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,109,577 — 671,776 2,333,918 8,352 2,293,825 4,948,609 214,815 9,973,891 248,101 245,981 4,803,527 10,191 3,674,196 6,960,251 — 2017 US$ Note 2(ad) 1,532,959 38,132 37,807 738,289 1,566 564,714 1,069,771 — Total current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14,580,872 25,916,138 3,983,238 NON-CURRENT ASSETS Property and equipment, net (Note 7) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deposits for property and equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Land use rights, net (Note 8) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Intangible assets, net (Note 9) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Investment in affiliates (Note 10) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other investments (Note 11) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Available-for-sale investments (Note 12) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other long-term assets (Note 13) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Goodwill (Note 14) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deferred tax assets (Note 23) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,467,451 1,039,793 2,399,058 725,147 93,144 503,117 407,944 510,821 367,106 — 6,660,825 307,859 3,077,770 400,994 66,334 387,640 146,282 366,760 367,106 285,112 1,023,750 47,317 473,045 61,632 10,195 59,579 22,483 56,370 56,423 43,821 Total non-current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10,513,581 12,066,682 1,854,615 Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25,094,453 37,982,820 5,837,853 The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements. F-4 VIPSHOP HOLDINGS LIMITED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Continued) (All amounts in thousands, except for share and par value data) LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY CURRENT LIABILITIES Accounts payable (Including accounts payable of the consolidated VIEs and VIEs’ subsidiaries without recourse to the Company of RMB22,471 and RMB87,926 as of December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively) . . . . . Advances from customers (Including advances from customers of the consolidated VIEs and VIEs’ subsidiaries without recourse to the Company of RMB1,211,643 and RMB965,275 as of December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Accrued expenses and other current liabilities (Note 15) (Including accrued expenses and other current liabilities of the consolidated VIEs and VIEs’ subsidiaries without recourse to the Company of RMB1,257,667 and RMB1,618,716 as of December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amounts due to related parties (Note 26(b)) (Including amounts due to related parties of the consolidated VIEs and VIEs’ subsidiaries without recourse to the Company of RMB591 and RMB616 as of December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deferred income (Including deferred income of the consolidated VIEs and VIEs’ subsidiaries without recourse to the Company of RMB16,222 and RMB54,543 as of December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively) . . . . . Securitization debt (Note 17) (Including securitization debt of the consolidated VIEs and VIEs’ subsidiaries without recourse to the Company of nil and nil as of December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Short term loans (Note 17) (Including short term loans of the consolidated VIEs and VIEs’ subsidiaries without recourse to the Company of nil and nil as of December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . As of December 31, 2016 RMB 2017 RMB 2017 US$ Note 2(ad) 8,333,610 11,445,109 1,759,081 2,699,981 2,339,914 359,638 3,322,599 3,537,151 543,650 52,729 65,022 9,994 174,547 203,179 31,228 — 760,000 116,810 — 907,310 139,451 Total current liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14,583,466 19,257,685 2,959,852 NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES Deferred tax liability (Note 23) (Including deferred tax liability of the consolidated VIEs and VIEs’ subsidiaries without recourse to the Company of RMB4,904 and RMB4,224 as of December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deferred income (Including deferred income of the consolidated VIEs and VIEs’ subsidiaries without recourse to the Company of RMB1,928 and RMB838 as of December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively) . . . . . . . Convertible senior notes (Note 18) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100,583 17,007 2,614 246,902 4,381,698 362,649 4,094,903 55,738 629,375 687,727 Total non-current liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,729,183 4,474,559 Total liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19,312,649 23,732,244 3,647,579 COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 25) The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements. F-5 VIPSHOP HOLDINGS LIMITED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Continued) (All amounts in thousands, except for share and par value data) SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY: Class A ordinary shares (US$0.0001 par value, 483,489,642 shares authorized, and 101,508,264 and 114,716,587 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively) . . . . . . . . Class B ordinary shares (US$0.0001 par value, 16,510,358 shares authorized, and 16,510,358 and 16,510,358 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively) . . . . . . . . Treasury shares, at cost (1,356,918 and nil Class A shares as of As of December 31, 2016 RMB 2017 RMB 2017 US$ Note 2(ad) 66 11 74 11 11 2 December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Additional paid-in capital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Retained earnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Accumulated other comprehensive loss (707,441) 3,130,126 3,653,026 (343,608) — 8,715,995 5,602,681 (24,242) — 1,339,624 861,116 (3,725) Total Vipshop Holdings Limited shareholders’ equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Non-controlling interests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5,732,180 49,624 14,294,519 (43,943) 2,197,028 (6,754) Total shareholders’ equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5,781,804 14,250,576 2,190,274 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY . . . . . . . . . . 25,094,453 37,982,820 5,837,853 The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements. F-6 VIPSHOP HOLDINGS LIMITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data) Product revenues Other revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39,409,961 793,251 55,281,900 1,309,402 71,171,653 1,740,660 Year ended December 31, 2015 RMB 2016 RMB 2017 RMB 2017 US$ Note 2(ad) 10,938,883 267,535 Total net revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cost of revenues (including inventory write-down of RMB293,946, RMB303,233 and RMB206,733 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017, respectively) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40,203,212 56,591,302 72,912,313 11,206,418 (30,306,723) (42,994,688) (56,618,471) (8,702,100) Gross profit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9,896,489 13,596,614 16,293,842 2,504,318 Fulfillment expenses (Note 27(c)) (including shipping and handling expenses of RMB1,714,606, RMB2,578,491 and RMB3,830,229 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017, respectively) . . . . . . Marketing expenses (Note 27(c)) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Technology and content expenses (Note 27(c)) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . General and administrative expenses (Note 27(c)) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (3,667,031) (2,089,348) (1,076,520) (1,301,472) (4,904,526) (2,837,680) (1,563,582) (1,941,146) (6,899,654) (2,978,621) (1,808,452) (2,447,724) (1,060,457) (457,806) (277,954) (376,208) Total operating expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (8,134,371) (11,246,934) (14,134,451) (2,172,425) Other operating income (Note 22) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 308,431 358,029 531,055 Income from operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Impairment loss of investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Interest expenses Interest income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Exchange (loss) gain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gain on disposal of an investment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Income before income taxes and share of loss of affiliates . . . . . . . . . . Income tax expense (Note 23) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Share of loss of affiliates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,070,549 (99,749) (85,762) 267,208 (101,726) — 2,050,520 (457,745) (84,063) 1,508,712 80,953 2,707,709 (114,574) (85,195) 107,044 51,100 — 2,666,084 (601,828) (71,489) 1,992,767 44,050 2,690,446 (133,026) (82,435) 101,125 (90,872) 55,615 2,540,853 (626,140) (22,280) 1,892,433 57,222 Net income attributable to Vipshop Holdings Limited’s shareholders . . . 1,589,665 2,036,817 1,949,655 81,622 413,515 (20,446) (12,670) 15,543 (13,967) 8,548 390,523 (96,236) (3,424) 290,863 8,795 299,658 Shares used in calculating earnings per share: Weighted average number of Class A and Class B ordinary shares for computing earnings per Class A and Class B ordinary share: —Basic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . —Diluted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net earnings per Class A and Class B ordinary share (Note 24) —Basic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . —Diluted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other comprehensive loss, net of tax of nil: Foreign currency translation adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (Loss)/gain of available-for-sale investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reclassification adjustments for losses (gains) included in net income . . . 115,736,092 120,168,063 115,958,088 125,817,183 117,554,229 125,715,833 117,554,229 125,715,833 13.74 13.23 1,508,712 17.57 16.86 1,992,767 16.59 15.94 1,892,433 (55,653) (7,783) — (288,956) (17,042) 36,567 342,348 32,633 (55,615) 2.55 2.45 290,863 52,618 5,016 (8,548) Comprehensive income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,445,276 1,723,336 2,211,799 339,949 Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to non-controlling interests . . . . . (84,119) (40,854) (57,222) (8,795) Comprehensive income attributable to Vipshop Holdings Limited’s shareholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,529,395 1,764,190 2,269,021 348,744 The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements. F-7 VIPSHOP HOLDINGS LIMITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (All amounts in thousands, except for share data) Vipshop Holdings Limited Shareholders’ Equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (Note 20) . (Note 20) . . Balance as of December 31, 2014 . . . . . Net income . Issuance of ordinary shares upon exercise of stock options . . . Issuance of ordinary shares upon vesting of shares awards . . . . . . . Share-based compensation expense . . Non-controlling interests arising from business combinations . . Purchase additional ownership interests in a subsidiary . . . Foreign currency translation . . . . Fair value changes of available for sale investments . . . . Repurchase of ordinary shares (Note 21) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F - 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (Note 21) . (Note 20) . (Note 20) . Net income . . . Issuance of ordinary shares upon exercise of stock options . . . Issuance of ordinary shares upon vesting of shares awards . . . Re-issuance of treasury stock upon vesting of shares awards . . . . . . . Share-based compensation expense . . Non-controlling interests arising from business combinations . Purchase additional ownership interests in subsidiaries . Capital contribution from non-controlling interest . . . . . . . . . Foreign currency translation . Fair value changes of available-for-sale investments . Reclassification adjustment for losses included in net income . shareholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Class A ordinary shares Class B ordinary shares No. of shares 98,028,314 — 956,587 1,100,618 — — — — — — 100,085,519 — 560,930 861,815 — — — — — — — — Amount RMB 63 — No. of shares 16,510,358 — Amount RMB 11 — 2 — — — — — — — 65 — — 1 — — — — — — — — 66 — — — — — — — — 16,510,358 — — — — — — — — — — — 16,510,358 — — — — — — — — 11 — — — — — — — — — — — 11 Treasury Stock No. of shares Retained Amount Earnings Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) RMB RMB — 26,544 — 1,589,665 RMB (10,711) — Non- controlling interests RMB 143,944 (80,953) Total RMB 2,698,068 1,508,712 Additional paid-in capital RMB 2,538,217 — 6,321 — — — — — — — — — — — 302,941 — — (1,417) — — (7,471) — — — — — — — (1,614,135) (844,711) — 2,036,817 — 5,747 (1) — — — (137,270) 475,653 — (52,594) 257,217 — — — 137,270 — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — 6,323 — — — — (52,487) (7,783) — (70,981) — — — — — — — — (292,152) (17,042) 36,567 — — 20,418 (6,160) (3,166) — — — 302,941 19,001 (13,631) (55,653) (7,783) (844,711) 74,083 3,613,267 (44,050) 1,992,767 — — — — 73,637 (59,042) 1,800 3,196 — — 5,747 — — 475,653 73,637 (111,636) 1,800 (288,956) (17,042) 36,567 Balance as of December 31, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,838,591 (1,614,135) (844,711) 1,616,209 Balance as of December 31, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101,508,264 3,130,126 (1,356,918) (707,441) 3,653,026 (343,608) 49,624 5,781,804 The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements. VIPSHOP HOLDINGS LIMITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (Continued) (All amounts in thousands, except for share data) Vipshop Holdings Limited Shareholders’ Equity Class A ordinary shares Class B ordinary shares Amount RMB 66 — 8 No. of shares 16,510,358 — — Amount RMB 11 — — Additional paid-in capital RMB 3,130,126 — 5,610,329 Treasury Stock No. of shares Amount Retained earnings Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) RMB (1,356,918) (707,441) 3,653,026 — 1,949,655 — — RMB — — F - 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (Note 20) (Note 20) . Balance as of December 31, 2016 . . . . . . . Net income . Issuance of ordinary shares to new investors (Note 20) . . Issuance of ordinary shares upon vesting of shares awards . . . . Re-issuance of treasury stock upon exercise of stock options . . Re-issuance of treasury stock upon vesting of shares awards . . . . . Share-based compensation expense . . Non-controlling interests arising from business combinations . Foreign currency translation . . Fair value changes of available-for-sale investments . . Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income . Balance as of December 31, 2017 . (Note 20) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No. of shares 101,508,264 — 13,184,910 23,413 — — — — — — — 114,716,587 . . . . . . . . . . — — — — — — — — 74 — — — — — — — — 16,510,358 — — — — — — — — 11 — — — (234,409) 454,708 240,378 — — (467,063) 667,098 9,914 — — — 8,715,995 902,210 — — — — — — — 467,063 — — — — — — — — — — — 5,602,681 Non- controlling interests RMB 49,624 (57,222) — — — Total RMB 5,781,804 1,892,433 5,610,337 — 5,969 — — (36,345) — — — (43,943) — 667,098 (26,431) 342,348 32,633 (55,615) 14,250,576 RMB (343,608) — — — — — — — 342,348 32,633 (55,615) (24,242) The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements. VIPSHOP HOLDINGS LIMITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (All amounts in thousands) Year ended December 31, 2015 RMB 2016 RMB 2017 RMB 2017 US$ Note 2(ad) 1,508,712 1,992,767 1,892,433 290,863 20,113 31,774 110,791 52,382 8,537 (641) 102,531 3,424 20,445 (2,603) 914 (8,548) (408,198) (283) (194,435) (344,346) (10,804) 494,493 (53,416) 44,698 1,889 4,081 (12,845) Cash flows from operating activities: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash by operating activities: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Provision for allowance for doubtful accounts Inventory write-down . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Depreciation of property and equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amortization of intangible assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amortization of land use rights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Losses (gains) on disposal of property and equipment and other assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Share-based compensation expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Share of loss of affiliates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Impairment loss of investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Interest income on held-to-maturity investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amortization of debt issuance costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gain on disposal of an available-for-sale investment Changes in operating assets and liabilities: 11,884 293,946 291,401 289,644 2,785 1,688 302,941 84,063 99,749 (133,027) 33,453 — 57,743 303,233 610,976 363,977 37,657 10,499 475,653 71,489 114,574 (31,855) 35,824 — 130,862 206,733 720,840 340,816 55,545 (4,170) 667,098 22,280 133,026 (16,934) 5,950 (55,615) Accounts receivable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amounts due from related parties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other receivables and prepayments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inventories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deferred tax assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Accounts payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Advances from customers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Accrued expenses and other current liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amounts due to related parties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deferred income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deferred tax liability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (279,165) (865) (1,094,085) (1,272,336) 31,146 643,370 585,624 537,300 131,182 (86,880) (67,444) (1,951,397) 30,251 (323,182) (685,018) (10,119) 1,553,400 690,402 (305,221) (186,533) 55,549 (79,256) (2,655,862) (1,839) (1,265,051) (2,240,420) (70,297) 3,217,304 (347,538) 290,818 12,293 26,554 (83,575) Net cash generated from operating activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,915,086 2,831,413 981,251 150,816 Cash flows from investing activities: Purchases of property and equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Purchases of land use rights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Government subsidies received for land use rights Deposits paid for acquisition of land use rights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Proceed from disposal of property and equipment and other assets . . Purchases of other assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Purchases of held-to-maturity investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Redemption of held-to-maturity investments upon maturities . . . . . . Investment in affiliates and other investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Acquisition of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired of RMB30,303, RMB19,490 and RMB174 in 2015, 2016 and 2017, respectively . . . Purchases of available-for-sale investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deposits for investment in affiliates and other investments . . . . . . . Disposal of an available-for-sale investment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cash paid for loan originations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cash received from loan repayments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other investing activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (2,183,228) (118,256) 19,550 (1,873,553) 204 (9,388) (5,540,000) 7,633,963 (523,643) (1,967,645) (199,642) 240,069 (618,219) 13,385 (5,121) (2,165,000) 3,332,482 (58,327) (39,198) (246,953) (48,000) — (9,207) — 400 (106,365) (97,314) — — (46,305) — 9,000 (2,197,773) (275,810) 117,825 — 9,290 (867) (354,000) 796,729 (16,783) (4,701) — (240,000) 279,295 (188,960) 46,149 (3,000) (337,792) (42,391) 18,109 — 1,428 (133) (54,409) 122,455 (2,580) (723) — (36,887) 42,927 (29,043) 7,093 (461) Net cash used in investing activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (2,937,309) (1,669,002) (2,032,606) (312,407) The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements. F-10 VIPSHOP HOLDINGS LIMITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Continued) (All amounts in thousands) Year ended December 31, 2015 RMB 2016 RMB 2017 RMB Cash flows from financing activities: Proceeds from bank and other borrowings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Repayment of bank and other borrowings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Capital contributions from non-controlling interests . . . . . . . . . . . . Acquisition of non-controlling interests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Partial redemption of convertible senior notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Repurchase of ordinary shares . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Proceeds from issuance of securitization debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Proceeds from issuance of ordinary shares to new investors . . . . . . . Proceeds from issuance of ordinary shares upon exercise of stock options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deferred settlement of acquisition of subsidiaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other financing activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 669,463 (574,463) 9,740 — — (650,197) — — 6,323 — — 910,310 3,000 (3,000) (98,000) — 1,380 (25,855) (111,636) (21,697) — — (193,619) — 760,000 — 5,610,337 5,747 — — 5,969 (64,990) (1,250) 2017 US$ Note 2(ad) 139,912 (461) — (3,974) (3,335) — 116,810 862,293 917 (9,989) (192) Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . (539,134) (393,128) 7,169,824 1,101,981 Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94,990 15,910 (6,054) (929) Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash . Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of the period . . (1,466,367) 4,790,751 785,193 3,324,384 6,112,415 4,109,577 939,461 631,630 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of the period . . . . . 3,324,384 4,109,577 10,221,992 1,571,091 Reconciliatin in amounts on the consolidated balance sheets: Cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Restricted cash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,324,384 — 4,109,577 — 9,973,891 248,101 1,532,959 38,132 Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of the period . . 3,324,384 4,109,577 10,221,992 1,571,091 Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information: Interest paid, net of amount capitalized . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Income tax paid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities: Payables incurred for purchase of property and equipment . . . . . . . Payables for repurchase of ordinary shares (Note 21) . . . . . . . . . . . Payables for acquisition of subsidiaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85,775 446,621 137,679 194,514 — 85,195 631,129 271,999 — 74,352 82,435 948,915 12,670 145,845 9,971 — — 1,533 — — The non-cash transaction from acquisition of a subsidiary by acquiring additional equity interest in an affiliate during the year ended December 31, 2016 are set out in Note 3(a). The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements. F-11 VIPSHOP HOLDINGS LIMITED NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated) 1. Organization and principal activities Vipshop Holdings Limited (the ‘‘Company’’) was incorporated in the Cayman Islands on August 27, 2010. The Company, through its subsidiaries, variable interest entities (‘‘VIEs’’) and VIEs’ subsidiaries (collectively, the ‘‘Group’’), operate online platforms that offer high-quality branded products to consumers in the People’s Republic of China (the ‘‘PRC’’) through flash sales on its vipshop.com, vip.com and lefeng.com online platforms. Flash sale represents an online retail format combining the advantages of e-commerce and discount sales through selling a finite quantity of discounted products or services online for a limited period of time. F-12 VIPSHOP HOLDINGS LIMITED NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) (All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated) 1. Organization and principal activities (Continued) As of December 31, 2017, the Company’s significant subsidiaries and consolidated VIEs consist of the following: Name of subsidiaries Date of incorporation/ establishment Place of incorporation/ establishment Percentage of shareholdings Vipshop International Holdings Limited (‘‘Vipshop HK’’) . . . . October 22, 2010 Hong Kong 100% Vipshop (China) Co., Ltd. (the ‘‘WFOE’’) . . . . . . . . . . . January 20, 2011 China 100% Principal activities Investment holding and online retail Warehousing, logistics, procurement, research and development, consulting Vipshop (Kunshan) E-Commerce Co., Ltd. (‘‘Vipshop Kunshan’’) . . . . . . . August 2, 2011 China 100% Warehousing and logistics Vipshop (Jianyang) E-Commerce Co., Ltd. (‘‘Vipshop Jianyang’’) . . . . . . . Vipshop (Tianjin) E-Commerce Co., Ltd. (‘‘Vipshop Tianjin’’) . . . . . . . . Guangzhou Pinwei February 22, 2012 China 100% Warehousing and logistics July 31, 2012 China 100% Warehousing and logistics Software Co., Ltd. (‘‘Pinwei Software’’) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . December 6, China 100% 2012 Software development and information technology support Vipshop (Zhuhai) E-Commerce Co., Ltd. (‘‘Vipshop Zhuhai’’) . . . . . . . . Vipshop (Hubei) E-Commerce Co., Ltd. (‘‘Vipshop Hubei’’) . . . . . . . . . Shanghai Pinzhong Commercial July 16, 2013 China 100% Warehousing and logistics July 4, 2013 China 100% Warehousing and logistics Factoring Co., Ltd. (‘‘Pinzhong Factoring’’) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . August 1, 2013 Chongqing Vipshop E-Commerce Co., Ltd. (‘‘Vipshop Chongqing’’) . . . . . October 22, 2013 Vipshop (Zhaoqing) E-Commerce Co., Ltd. (‘‘Vipshop Zhaoqing’’) . . . . . . November 22, 2013 China 100% Business financing China 100% Warehousing and logistics China 100% Warehousing and logistics F-13 VIPSHOP HOLDINGS LIMITED NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) (All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated) 1. Organization and principal activities (Continued) Name of VIEs Date of incorporation Place of incorporation Economic interest held Principal activities Guangzhou Vipshop Information Technology Co., Ltd.(‘‘Vipshop Information’’) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . August 22, 2008 China VIE Online retail 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (a) Basis of Presentation The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (‘‘U.S. GAAP’’). (b) Principles of consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the Company, its subsidiaries, VIEs and VIEs’ subsidiaries for which the Company is the primary beneficiary. All intercompany transactions, balances and unrealized profit and losses have been eliminated on consolidation. The Company evaluates the need to consolidate its VIEs and VIEs’ subsidiaries in which equity investors do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest or do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support. As foreign-invested companies engaged in internet-based businesses is subject to significant restrictions under current PRC laws and regulations, the Company and its PRC subsidiary, Vipshop China, as a wholly foreign owned enterprise (‘‘WFOE’’), are both restricted from holding the licenses that are necessary for the online operation in China. To comply with these restrictions, The Company conducts the online operations principally through Vipshop Information. Vipshop Information holds the licenses necessary to conduct the Internet-related operations of vipshop.com and vip.com in China. Since the Company does not have any equity interests in Vipshop Information, in order to exercise effective control over its operations, the Company, through its wholly foreign owned subsidiary, the WFOE, entered into a series of contractual arrangements with Vipshop Information and its shareholders, pursuant to which the Company is entitled to receive effectively all economic benefits generated from Vipshop Information shareholders’ equity interests in it. Details of certain key agreements entered into between the WFOE, Vipshop Information and each of its individual shareholders on January 20, 2011 and amended on October 8, 2011 are as follows: Power of Attorney Agreements: Each equity holder of Vipshop Information irrevocably authorized the WFOE to exercise the rights related to their shareholdings, including attending shareholders’ meetings and voting on their behalf on all matters, including but not limited to matters related to the transfer, pledge or disposition of their respective equity interests in Vipshop Information, and appointment of the executive directors and senior management of Vipshop Information. The WFOE has the right to appoint any individual or entity to exercise the power of attorney on its behalf. Each power of attorney will remain in effect until the shareholder ceases to hold any equity interest in Vipshop Information. F-14 VIPSHOP HOLDINGS LIMITED NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) (All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated) 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued) Amended and Restated Exclusive Business Cooperation Agreement: The WFOE entered into an agreement with Vipshop Information to provide Vipshop Information with technical, consulting and other services. In considerations of these services, Vipshop Information shall pay the WFOE fees equal to 100% of its net income of Vipshop Information, provided that the WFOE, at its sole discretion, shall have the right to adjust the rate of the service through written notice. The WFOE is the exclusive provider of these services for a term of 10 years and may be extended for a period to be determined by the WFOE. The WFOE may terminate this agreement at any time by giving 30 days prior written notice. Vipshop Information has no right to terminate this agreement unless the WFOE commits gross negligence or fraud. Amended and Restated Equity Interest Pledge Agreements: Each equity holder of Vipshop Information pledged all their respective equity interests in Vipshop Information as security to ensure that Vipshop Information fully performs its obligations under the Exclusive Business Cooperation Agreement, and pays the consulting and service fees to the WFOE when the fees becomes due. The agreement will remain in effect until all of the obligations of Vipshop Information under the Amended and Restated Exclusive Business Cooperation Agreement have been duly performed or terminated. Amended and Restated Exclusive Option Agreements: Each equity holder of Vipshop Information granted the WFOE an irrevocable and exclusive right to purchase, or designate one or more persons to purchase, their equity interest in Vipshop Information at the WFOE’s sole and absolute discretion to the extent permitted by the PRC laws. The purchase price is 10 Renminbi (‘‘RMB’’); if appraisal is required by laws of the PRC at the time when the WFOE exercises the option, the parties shall negotiate in good faith, to make necessary adjustments to the purchase price based on the appraisal result to comply with applicable laws of the PRC. The term of this agreement is ten years from the execution date of October 8, 2011, which may be extended for a period to be determined by the WFOE. Exclusive Purchase Framework Agreement: The WFOE and Vipshop Information entered into this agreement during the third quarter of fiscal 2011. Under this agreement, Vipshop Information agrees to purchase products or services exclusively from the WFOE or its subsidiaries. Vipshop Information and its subsidiaries must not purchase from any third party products or services which the WFOE is capable of providing. The term of this agreement is ten years from September 1, 2011. If neither party objects in writing nor both parties remain cooperating at the expiration of the agreement, the parties will continue to be bound by this agreement until a new agreement is entered into. Vipshop Information must pay the WFOE for its products an amount, which includes a service fee, based on the unit price and the quantity of the products ordered by Vipshop Information. The WFOE may terminate this agreement at any time by giving 15 days’ prior written notice. Vipshop Information has no right to terminate this agreement unless the WFOE commits gross negligence or fraud. In October 2012, the Company effected a transfer of 10.4% of equity interest from one of the former shareholders of Vipshop Information to Mr. Shen, an existing shareholder of Vipshop Information. In August 2015, the Company effected transfer of 22.0% of equity interest from two of the former shareholders of Vipshop Information to Mr. Shen and a concurrent capital increase of Vipshop Information from RMB24.5 million to RMB274.5 million as contributed by Mr. Shen. In December 2015, the Company effected a concurrent capital increase of Vipshop Information to F-15 VIPSHOP HOLDINGS LIMITED NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) (All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated) 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued) RMB824.5 million as contributed by Mr. Shen. The Company amended the contractual arrangements the relevant entities had as explained above with Mr. Shen and Mr. Arthur Xiaobo Hong to reflect each transfer. As of December 31, 2017, shareholders of Vipshop Information include Mr. Shen and Mr. Arthur Xiaobo Hong, holding 99.2% and 0.8% of the total equity interests in Vipshop Information, respectively. The Company participated significantly in the design of Vipshop Information. Based on the Amended and Restated Equity Pledge Agreements, the Amended and Restated Exclusive Option Agreement, and the Power of Attorney Agreements dated January 20, 2011, the Company has the ability to effectively control Vipshop Information through the WFOE. The Company is also able to receive a majority of the economic benefits of Vipshop Information, because of its ability to effectively determine the service fees payable by Vipshop Information to the WFOE under the Amended and Restated Exclusive Business Cooperation Agreement, and through the Exclusive Purchase Framework Agreement. Therefore, the Company has determined that it is the primary beneficiary of Vipshop Information and has consolidated its respective results for the periods presented. The Company has another set of contractual arrangements among Lefeng Shanghai, Lefeng Information, and shareholders of Lefeng Information, under which Lefeng Shanghai is the primary beneficiary of Lefeng Information and the Company consolidates Lefeng Information through Lefeng Shanghai. The contractual arrangements thereunder are substantially similar to the set with Vipshop Information described above. Risks in relation to the VIE structure The Group believes that the VIE arrangements are in compliance with PRC law and are legally enforceable. The equity holders of the VIEs are also shareholders of the Company and therefore have no current interest in seeking to act contrary to the contractual arrangements. However, there are certain risks related to the VIE arrangements, which include but are not limited to the following: (cid:127) If the Group’s ownership structure, are found to be in violation of any existing or future PRC laws or regulations, the relevant governmental authorities, including the China Securities Regulatory Commission, would have broad discretion in dealing with such violation, including levying fines, confiscating its income or the income of the WFOE, Vipshop Information, Guangzhou Vipshop E-commerce Co., Ltd. (‘‘Vipshop E-commerce’’), Pin Jun Tong Enterprise Management & Consulting Co., Ltd. (‘‘Pin Jun Tong’’), Lefeng Shanghai, or Lefeng Information, revoking the business licenses or operating licenses of the WFOE, Vipshop Information, Vipshop E-commerce, Pin Jun Tong, Lefeng Shanghai, or Lefeng Information, shutting down the Group’s servers or blocking the Group’s websites, discontinuing or placing restrictions or onerous conditions on the Group’s operations, requiring the Group to undergo a costly and disruptive restructuring, restricting or prohibiting the Group’s use of various funding to finance its business and operations in China, and taking other regulatory or enforcement actions that could be harmful to the Group’s business; (cid:127) The Group relies on contractual arrangements with the VIEs and their equity holders for a majority all of its PRC operations, which may not be as effective as direct ownership in providing operational control; F-16 VIPSHOP HOLDINGS LIMITED NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) (All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated) 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued) (cid:127) The Group may have to incur significant cost to enforce, or may not be able to effectively enforce, the contractual arrangements with the VIEs and their equity holders in the event of a breach or non-compliance by the VIEs or their equity holders; and (cid:127) Each of the shareholders of the VIEs is also a director of the Company or its subsidiaries, and has a duty of care and loyalty to the Company and its shareholders as a whole under Cayman Islands law. Under the contractual arrangements with the VIEs and their shareholders, (a) the Company may replace any such individual as a shareholder of the VIEs at the Company’s discretion, and (b) each of these individuals has executed a power of attorney to appoint the WFOE or its designated third party to vote on their behalf and exercise shareholder rights of the VIE. However, the Company cannot assure that these individuals will act in the best interests of the Company should any conflicts of interest arise, or that any conflicts of interest will be resolved in the Company’s favor. These individuals may breach or cause the VIE to breach the existing contractual arrangements. If the Company cannot resolve any conflicts of interest or disputes between the Company and any of these individuals, the Company would have to rely on legal proceedings, which may be expensive, time-consuming and disruptive to its operations. There is also substantial uncertainty as to the outcome of any such legal proceedings. (cid:127) There are, however, substantial uncertainties regarding the interpretation and application of current or future PRC laws and regulations. Particularly, in January 2015, the Ministry of Commerce published a discussion draft of the proposed Foreign Investment Law for public review and comments. Under the draft Foreign Investment Law, variable interest entities would also be deemed as foreign-invested enterprises, if they are ultimately ‘‘controlled’’ by foreign investors, and be subject to restrictions on foreign investments. The draft Foreign Investment Law, if enacted as proposed, may materially impact the entire legal framework regulating the foreign investments in China as well as the viability of the Group’s current corporate structure, corporate governance and business operations in many aspects. F-17 VIPSHOP HOLDINGS LIMITED NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) (All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated) 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued) The financial information of the Company’s VIEs and VIEs’ subsidiaries, including total assets, total liabilities, net revenues, total operating expenses, net income and cash flows after intercompany eliminations are as follows: Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Current Liabilities: As of December 31, 2016 2017 RMB 3,396,705 RMB 5,520,550 Accounts payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Advances from customers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Accrued expenses and other current liabilities . . . . . . . . . Amounts due to related parties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deferred income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (22,471) (1,211,643) (1,257,667) (591) (16,222) (87,926) (965,275) (1,618,716) (616) (54,543) Total current liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (2,508,594) (2,727,076) Deferred tax liability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deferred income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (4,904) (1,928) (4,224) (838) Total liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (2,515,426) (2,732,138) Net revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total operating expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Year ended December 31, 2015 2016 2017 RMB 7,388,637 (1,542,401) 226,986 RMB 5,500,226 (1,740,370) 230,954 RMB 1,583,466 (5,243,573) (3,784,932) Net cash used in operating activities (Note a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net cash provided by investing activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities . . . . . . . . . . . . Year ended December 31, 2015 2016 2017 RMB (1,363,805) 1,018,250 809,740 RMB RMB (801,931) (1,192,894) 626,798 1,435,001 (108,779) 1,144,728 Note a: Cash flows used in operating activities in 2015, 2016 and 2017 include amounts due from (to) the Group’s subsidiaries of RMB1,649,956, RMB(994,474) and RMB1,526,148. There are no consolidated VIEs’ assets that are collateral for the VIEs’ obligations or are restricted solely to settle the VIEs’ obligations. The Company has not provided any financial support that it was not previously contractually required to provide to the VIEs. F-18 VIPSHOP HOLDINGS LIMITED NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) (All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated) 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued) (c) Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management of the Group to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results may differ from these estimates. The Group’s management based their estimates on historical experience and various other factors believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Significant accounting estimates reflected in the Group’s financial statements include inventory write-down, valuation of goodwill and intangible assets acquired in the business acquisitions, impairment of other investments and valuation of receivables arising from consumer financing. Changes in facts and circumstances may result in revised estimates. (d) Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand, demand deposits and highly liquid investments with maturity of less than three months. Cash and cash equivalents are placed with financial institutions with high-credit ratings and quality. (e) Restricted cash The Group’s restricted cash mainly represents 1) deposits held in a designated bank account under the cooperative lending arrangement with a bank in which the Company is required to maintain at all times a certain percentage of the outstanding principal of total lending amount with a bank; and 2) deposits that are pledged for short-term bank loans. (f) Held-to-maturity investments The Group invests in debt securities which have fixed maturity dates, pay a fixed return on the amount invested and early redemption of these securities is not allowed. The Group classifies these investments as held-to-maturity as it has both the positive intent and ability to hold them until maturity. (g) Inventories Inventory was previously stated at the lower of cost or market before 2016. The Group adopted Accounting Standard Update (‘‘ASU’’) 2015-11, Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory and applied the ASU prospectively from 2016. Upon the adoption of this accounting guidance, inventory is stated at the lower of cost or net realisable value. Cost of inventory is determined using the weighted average cost method. Net realizable value is the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of disposal and transportation. Adjustments are recorded to write down the cost of inventory to the estimated net realizable value for slow-moving merchandise and damaged goods. The amount of write down is also dependent upon factors such as whether the goods are returnable to vendors, inventory aging, historical and forecasted consumer demand, and promotional environment. F-19 VIPSHOP HOLDINGS LIMITED NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) (All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated) 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued) The Group assesses the inventory write-down based on different product categories and applies a certain percentages based on aging. The Group classifies all goods into the following two categories: non-returnable goods and returnable goods. Non-returnable goods cannot be returned to suppliers and general inventory write-down of different percentages are applied to these goods within the different aging categories. These percentages were developed based on historical write-down on these different types of goods. In addition to general write-down, specific write-down will also be applied to non-returnable goods if assessed to be needed based on the factors mentioned above. Returnable goods will have no general write-down based on aging but specific write down will be made at the end of each reporting periods based on forecast sales, conditions of the goods and planned promotions. Write downs are recorded in cost of revenues in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. (h) Accounts receivable Accounts receivable are mainly receivables from consumer financing business, which are stated at the historical carrying amount net of allowance for uncollectible accounts. The Group establishes an allowance for uncollectible accounts receivable based on estimates, historical experience and other factors surrounding the credit risk of specific customers. Uncollectible accounts receivable are written off when a settlement is reached for an amount that is less than the outstanding historical balance or when the Group has determined the balance will not be collected. (i) Other receivables Other receivables are mainly consisted of advances to suppliers relating to financial activities, loans to staff and others, which are stated at the historical carrying amounts. The Group establishes an allowance for uncollectible other receivables based on estimates, historical experience and other factors surrounding the credit risk of specific accounts. Uncollectible other receivables are written off when a settlement is reached for an amount that is less than the outstanding historical balance or when the Group has determined the balance will not be collected. (j) Property and Equipment, net Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. Gains or losses on dispositions of property and equipment are included in operating income. Major additions, renewals and betterments are capitalized, while maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. F-20 VIPSHOP HOLDINGS LIMITED NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) (All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated) 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued) Depreciation and amortization are provided over the estimated useful lives of the assets using the straight-line method from the time the assets are placed in service. Estimated useful lives are as follows: Classification Estimated useful life Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Furniture, fixtures and equipment . . . . . . Leasehold improvements . . . . . . . . . . . . Motor vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 years 2 to 10 years Shorter of lease term or the estimated useful life of lease improvements 5 years 3 years Direct and incremental costs related to the construction of assets, including costs under the construction contracts, duties and tariffs, equipment installation and shipping costs, are capitalized. Management estimates the residual value of its furniture, fixtures and equipment and motor vehicles to be 5%. (k) Capitalization of interest Interest and amortization of deferred financing costs incurred on funds used to construct the Group’s warehouses during the active construction period are capitalized. Interest subject to capitalization primarily includes interest paid or payable on the Group’s convertible senior notes due 2019 at interest of 1.5%. The capitalization of interest and amortization of deferred financing costs ceases once a project is substantially completed or development activity is suspended for more than a brief period. The amount to be capitalized is determined by applying the weighted average interest rate of the Group’s outstanding borrowings to the average amount of accumulated capital expenditures for assets under construction during the year and is added to the cost of the underlying assets and amortized over their respective useful lives. Total interest expenses incurred amounted to RMB94,077, RMB99,437 and RMB97,024, of which RMB8,315, RMB14,242 and RMB14,589 were capitalized for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017, respectively. (l) Land use rights, net Land use rights represent amounts paid for the Group’s leases for the use right of lands located in Zhaoqing City, Tianjin City, Qingdao City, Ezhou City, Zhengzhou City, Guangzhou City, Jianyang City, Shenyang City, Xi’an City, Urumqi City, Tai’an City, Hengyang City, Chongqing City and Kunshan City of PRC. Amounts are charged to earnings ratably over the term of the lease of 50 years. (m) Intangible assets, net Acquired intangible assets mainly consist of domain names, customer relationships, non-compete agreements, trademarks and payment license acquired from third parties and from business combination. F-21 VIPSHOP HOLDINGS LIMITED NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) (All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated) 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued) Domain names and trademarks Domain name and trademarks purchased from third parties are initially recorded at cost and amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated economic lives of approximately two to five years. Intangible assets arising from business combination Identifiable intangibles assets are required to be determined separately from goodwill based on their fair values. In particular, an intangible asset acquired in a business combination should be recognized as an asset separate from goodwill if it satisfies either the ‘‘contractual-legal’’ or ‘‘separability’’ criterion. Intangible assets with a definite economic life are carried at cost less accumulated amortization. Amortization for identifiable intangibles assets are computed using the straight-line method over the intangible assets’ economic lives. Alternatively, intangible assets acquired in a business combination with indefinite lives are carried out cost less than subsequent accumulated impairment loss. Cost to renew or extend the term of a recognized intangible asset is charged to profit or loss as incurred in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. Estimated economic lives of the intangible assets are as follows: Classification Estimated economic life Customer relationships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Trademarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Non-compete agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Domain names . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Payment license . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 - 14 years 2 - 5 years 3 years 2 - 3 years Indefinite life (n) Investment in affiliates Affiliated companies are entities over which the Group has significant influence, but which it does not control. The Group generally considers an ownership interest of 20% or higher to represent significant influence. Investments in affiliates are accounted for by the equity method of accounting. Under this method, the Group’s share of the post-acquisition profits or losses of the affiliated companies is recognized in the statement of income and comprehensive income and its shares of post-acquisition movements in other comprehensive income are recognized in other comprehensive income. Unrealized gains on transactions between the Group and its affiliated companies are eliminated to the extent of the Group’s interest in the affiliated companies; unrealized losses are also eliminated unless the transaction provides evidence of an impairment of the asset transferred. When the Group’s share of losses in an affiliated company equals or exceeds its interest in the affiliated company, the Company does not recognize further losses, unless the Group has incurred obligations or made payments on behalf of the affiliated company. F-22 VIPSHOP HOLDINGS LIMITED NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) (All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated) 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued) The Group is required to perform an impairment assessment of its investments whenever events or changes in business circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the investment may not be fully recoverable. An impairment loss is recorded when there has been a loss in value of the investment that is other than temporary. The Group assess its equity investments for other-than-temporary impairment by considering all relevant and available information including, but not limited to, current economic and market conditions, the operating performance of the companies including current earnings trends and other company-specific information such as financing needs, the Group’s intent and ability to retain the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in market value, and the severity and duration of the impairment. (o) Other investments Other investments represent equity investments in private companies in which the Group exerts no significant influence and are measured initially at cost. The Group reviews the investments for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the investments may not be recoverable. Certain of the Group’s investments are in development stage companies whose success depends on factors including the ability of the investee companies to raise additional funds in financial markets that can be volatile and other key business factors, any of which may impact the Company’s ability to recover its investments. (p) Available-for-sale investments The Group invests in marketable equity securities and debt securities to meet business objectives. These marketable securities are reported at fair value, classified and accounted for as available-for-sale in investment. The assessment of a decline in the fair value of an individual security is based on whether the decline is other-than-temporary. The Group assesses its available-for-sale investments for other-than-temporary impairment by considering factors including, but not limited to, its ability and intent to hold the individual security, severity of the impairment, expected duration of the impairment and forecasted recovery of fair values. Investments classified as available-for-sale securities are reported at fair value with unrealized gains or losses, if any, recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income in shareholders’ equity. If the Group determines a decline in fair value is other-than-temporary, the cost basis of the individual security is written down to fair value as a new cost basis and the amount of the write-down is accounted for as a realized loss charged in the consolidated statement of income and comprehensive income. The fair values of the investments would not be adjusted for subsequent recoveries in fair values. (q) Impairment of long-lived assets (other than goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite life) The Group evaluates its long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable. When these events occur, the Group assesses the recoverability of these long-lived assets by comparing the carrying amount of the assets to the future undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of the assets and their eventual disposition. If the future undiscounted cash flow is less than the carrying amount of F-23 VIPSHOP HOLDINGS LIMITED NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) (All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated) 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued) the assets, the Group recognizes an impairment equal to the difference between the carrying amount and fair value of these assets. The Group recorded no impairment for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017. (r) Goodwill Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the identifiable assets and liabilities acquired in a business combination. Goodwill is not amortized but is tested for impairment on an annual basis as of December 31, and in between annual tests when an event occurs or circumstances change that could indicate that the asset might be impaired. In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (‘‘ASC’’) 350-20 ‘‘Goodwill’’, a company firstly has the option to assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If the Company decides, as a result of its qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, a two-step quantitative impairment test is mandatory. The Company may also elect to proceed directly to the two-step impairment test without considering qualitative factors. The quantitative impairment test consists of a comparison of the fair value of each reporting unit with its carrying amount. If the carrying amount of each reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss equal to the difference between the implied fair value of the reporting unit and their carrying amounts will be recorded. Application of impairment test for goodwill requires significant management judgment, including the identification of the reporting unit, assigning assets, liabilities and goodwill to each reporting unit, and determining the fair value of each reporting unit. The fair value of each reporting unit is determined by analysis of discounted cash flows. The significant assumptions regarding the reporting unit’s future operating performance are revenue growth rates, costs of goods and operating expenses growth rates, discount rates and terminal values. Changes in these estimates and assumptions could materially affect the determination of fair value for each reporting unit. In 2015, management has conducted step 1 of the quantitative impairment test to compare the carrying value of the reporting unit, including assigned goodwill, to its respective fair value. The fair value of the reporting unit was estimated by using the income approach. Based on the quantitative test, it was determined that the fair value of the reporting unit tested exceeded its carrying amount and, therefore, step two of the two step goodwill impairment test was not required. The management concluded that goodwill was not impaired as of December 31, 2015. In 2016 and 2017, management has conducted the qualitative impairment test to compare the carrying value of the reporting units, including assigned goodwill, to its respective fair value. Based on the qualitative impairment assessment, it was determined that it is more likely than not the fair values of the reporting units tested exceeded their carrying amounts and, therefore a quantitative impairment test for goodwill was not required. The management concluded that goodwill was not impaired as of December 31, 2016 and 2017. F-24 VIPSHOP HOLDINGS LIMITED NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) (All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated) 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued) (s) Intangible assets with indefinite lives Intangible assets with indefinite lives represents the purchase price of the payment license in a business combination in 2016. The payment license was determined to have an indefinite life. In determining its indefinite life, the Company considered the following: the expected use of the intangible; the longevity of the license; the legal, regulatory and contractual provisions that affect their maximum useful life; the Company’s ability to renew or extend the asset’s legal or contractual life without substantial costs; effects of the regulatory environment; maintenance expenditures required to obtain the expected future cash flows from the asset; and considerations for obsolescence, demand, competition and other economic factors. Intangible assets with indefinite lives is not amortized but is tested for impairment on an annual basis as of December 31, and in between annual tests when an event occurs or circumstances change that could indicate that the asset might be impaired. In 2016 and 2017, management has conducted the qualitative impairment test and the qualitative assessment indicated that it is more likely than not that the Company’s indefinite lived intangible assets are not impaired. (t) Business combinations and non-controlling interests The Group accounts for its business combinations using the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with ASC 805 ‘‘Business Combinations’’. The cost of an acquisition is measured as the aggregate of the acquisition date fair values of the assets transferred and liabilities incurred by the Group to the sellers and equity instruments issued. Transaction costs directly attributable to the acquisition are expensed as incurred. Identifiable assets and liabilities acquired or assumed are measured separately at their fair values as of the acquisition date, irrespective of the extent of any non-controlling interests. The excess of (i) the total costs of acquisition, fair value of the non-controlling interests and acquisition date fair value of any previously held equity interest in the acquiree over (ii) the fair value of the identifiable net assets of the acquiree is recorded as goodwill. For the Group’s majority-owned subsidiaries and subsidiaries of VIEs, a non-controlling interest is recognized to reflect the portion of their equity which is not attributable, directly or indirectly, to the Group. Consolidated net income on the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income includes the net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests. The cumulative results of operations attributable to non-controlling interests, are recorded as non-controlling interests in the Group’s consolidated balance sheets. (u) Debt issuance costs and debt discounts Debt issuance costs and debt discounts are amortized as interest expense, using the effective interest method, through the earlier of the maturity date of the Convertible Senior Notes or the date of redemption, if any. Debt issuance costs and debt discounts are recorded as a direct deduction from the face amount of Convertible Senior Notes. F-25 VIPSHOP HOLDINGS LIMITED NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) (All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated) 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued) (v) Securitization debt During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Group started to securitize accounts receivable arising from its consumer financing businesses. The securitization debt securities issued to investors are collateralized by the specified pool of accounts receivable and are payable only out of collections on their respective underlying collateralized assets and guaranteed by WFOE. The securities can be retained in the form of senior or subordinated securities. The Group holds 100% of the subordinated securities. The securitization securities are reported as current and non-current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets based on their respective expected repayment dates. (w) Revenue recognition The Group recognizes revenue from the sale of apparel, fashion goods, cosmetics, home goods and lifestyle products and other merchandise through its online platforms, including its internet website and cellular phone application. The Group recognizes revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, products are delivered, the price to the buyer is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. The Group utilizes in-house and external delivery service providers to deliver goods to its customers directly from its own warehouses. The Group estimates and defers revenue and the related product costs for goods that are in-transit to the customers. The Group offers customers with an unconditional right of return for a period of 7 days upon receipt of products on sales from vip.com and lefeng.com platforms. The Group defers revenue from sales of vip.com platforms until the return period expires as the Group cannot reasonably estimate the amount of future returns. The Group recognizes revenue from sales of lefeng.com platforms when products are delivered to customers because historical returns on sales on lefeng.com are insignificant. Revenue was recorded net of surcharges and value added tax (‘‘VAT’’) which is mainly 17% of gross sales. Surcharges are sales related taxes representing the City Maintenance and Construction Tax and Education Surtax. The Group recorded revenue on a gross basis when the Group meets the following indicators for gross reporting: it is the primary obligor of the sales arrangements, is subject to inventory risks of physical loss, has latitude in establishing prices, has discretion in suppliers’ selection and assumes credit risks on receivables from customers. Discount coupons membership reward program The Group voluntarily provides discount coupons through certain co-operative websites or through public distributions during its marketing activities. These coupons are not related to prior purchases, and can only be utilized in conjunction with subsequent purchases on the Group’s platforms. These discount coupons are recorded as reduction of revenues at the time of use. The Group has established a membership reward program wherein customers earn one point for one RMB of purchase made on the Group’s platforms. Membership reward points can be either exchanged into coupons to be used in connection with subsequent purchases, or exchanged into free gifts. The expiry dates of these reward points vary based on different individual promotional programs, while the coupons expire three months F-26 VIPSHOP HOLDINGS LIMITED NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) (All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated) 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued) after redemption. Starting from 2014, the Group derecognized the deferred revenue liability and began to recognize revenue based on an estimated breakage rate as it has accumulated sufficient historical data to be able to reasonably estimate the usage rate of these reward points. All the reward points expired as of December 31, 2015. Effective from January 1, 2015, the Company started to adopt a new membership reward points program (the ‘‘2015 Reward Program’’). Under the 2015 Reward Program, the Company grants Weipin Coin to the customers when they purchase goods from vipshop.com platforms. Customers earn Weipin Coins for purchases made on the Group’s platforms. Weipin Coin can be either exchanged into coupons to be used in connection with subsequent purchases, or directly offset against payments when customers make their future purchases. The Group accrued liabilities for the estimated value of the Weipin Coins earned and expected to be redeemed, which were based on all outstanding reward points related to prior purchases at the end of each reporting period, as the Group does not have sufficient historical data to reasonably estimate the usage rate of these new reward points. As of December 31, 2016 and 2017, the Group recorded deferred revenue related to rewards earned from prior purchases of RMB117,617 and RMB138,863 respectively. Other than the Super VIP program, we do not charge any membership fees to our registered members. New members who register on the Group’s platforms or existing members introducing new members to the Group’s website will be granted free Weipin Coins, which can be used to offset against payments for future purchases. These Weipin Coins are not related to prior purchases and are recorded as reduction of revenues at the time of use. In June 2017, in addition to the original membership, the Group launched a paid membership program, called Super VIP. With promotional membership fee from RMB99 to RMB149 according to different level membership per year at trial stage, customers would be able to enjoy privileges including free delivery service, extra membership points and privileged access to certain products. The revenue related to the membership fee is amortized over the life of the membership. Credit sales and amounts collected by external delivery service providers but not yet remitted to the Group are classified as accounts receivable on the consolidated balance sheets. Payments received in advance of delivery and unused prepaid cards credits are classified as advances from customers. Revenues include fees charged to customers for shipping and handling expenses. The Company incurred expenses or pays fees to in-house and external delivery service providers, respectively, and records such expenses and fees as shipping and handling expenses. Other revenues Other revenues consist of fees charged to third-party merchants which the Group provides platform access for sales of their products. The Group is not the primary obligor on these transactions, it does not bear the inventory risk, does not have the ability to establish prices and does not provide any fulfillment services as the goods are directly shipped from third-party merchants to end customers. Upon successful sales on the Group’s platforms, the Group will charge the third-party merchants commission fees. Commission fees are recognized on a net basis at the point of sales of products, net of return allowance. F-27 VIPSHOP HOLDINGS LIMITED NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) (All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated) 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued) The Group recognizes other revenue from providing logistic services to external customers, revenue from logistic services are recognized upon the completion of the performance of services. The Group conducts product promotion activities for certain brands on its website, including advanced and prominent placement of vendors’ products on its website, and technical consultations services related to on-line advertising. Moreover, the Group also provide inventory and warehouse management services to certain suppliers. These revenues are recognized over the period during which the services are provided and the revenues are earned, net of 6% or 11% VAT. (x) Cost of revenues Cost of revenues consist primarily of cost of merchandise sold and inventory write-down. The amounts of inventory write-down were RMB293,946, RMB303,233 and RMB206,733 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017, respectively. Cost of revenues do not include fulfillment expenses, therefore the Group’s cost of revenues may not be comparable to other companies which include such expenses in their cost of revenues. The Group provides financing to some of its suppliers by advancing them cash for portions of accounts payables the Group owes to them, and receive interest over the financing periods which is presented as a reduction to cost of revenues. The advances to these suppliers related to the Group’s financing activities have no offsetting rights against the Group’s accounts payables to these suppliers, and are presented as part of other receivables and prepayments in the consolidated balance sheets (Note 5). (y) Fulfillment expenses Fulfillment expenses primarily consist of payroll, bonus and benefits of logistics staff, logistics centers rental expenses, shipping and handling expenses and packaging expenses. (z) Marketing expenses Marketing expenses primarily consist of payroll, bonus and benefits of marketing staff, advertising costs, agency fees and costs for promotional materials. Advertising expenses are charged to the statements of income and comprehensive income in the period incurred. The amounts of advertising expenses incurred were RMB1,022,398, RMB1,671,779 and RMB1,526,815 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017, respectively. (aa) Technology and content expenses Technology and content expenses primarily consist of payroll, bonus and benefits of the staff in the technology and system department, telecommunications expenses, model fees and photography expenses. (ab) General and administrative expenses General and administrative expenses primarily consist of payroll, bonus and benefit costs for retail and corporate employees, legal, finance, information systems, rental expenses and other corporate overhead costs. F-28 VIPSHOP HOLDINGS LIMITED NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) (All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated) 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued) (ac) Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations The functional currency of the Company, Vipshop HK, Lefeng.com Limited and other offshores subsidiaries is the United States dollar (‘‘US dollar’’). The functional currency of all the other significant subsidiaries and the variable interest entities is RMB. Foreign currency denominated monetary assets and liabilities have been translated into the functional currency at the rates of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date. Transactions in foreign currencies have been translated into the functional currency at the applicable rates of exchange prevailing on the date transactions occurred. Transaction gains and losses are recognized in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. The RMB is not a freely convertible currency. The PRC State Administration for Foreign Exchange, under the authority of the People’s Bank of China, controls the conversion of RMB into foreign currencies. The value of the RMB is subject to changes in central government policies and to international economic and political developments affecting supply and demand in the China foreign exchange trading system market. The Group’s cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash denominated in RMB amounted to RMB4,021,551 and RMB4,287,900 at December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively. (ad) Convenience translation Translations of balances in the consolidated balance sheets, consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income, and consolidated statements of cash flows from RMB into US dollar as of and for the year ended December 31, 2017 are solely for the convenience of the readers and were calculated at the rate of 6.5063 representing the noon buying rate set forth in the H.10 statistical release of the U.S. Federal Reserve Board on December 29, 2017. No representation is made that the RMB amounts could have been, or could be, converted, realized or settled into US dollar at that rate on December 29, 2017, or at any other rate. (ae) Taxation Current income taxes are provided for in accordance with the laws of the relevant taxing authorities. As part of the process of preparing financial statements, the Group is required to estimate its income taxes in each of the jurisdictions in which it operates. The Group accounts for income taxes using the liability method. Under this method, deferred income taxes are recognized for tax consequences in future years of differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the financial statements at each year-end and tax loss carry forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates applicable for the differences that are expected to affect taxable income. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, based upon the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Group adopted ASU 2015-17, ‘‘Income Taxes (Topic 740): Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes’’, upon the adoption of this ASU, deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are classified to noncurrent on a prospective basis. F-29 VIPSHOP HOLDINGS LIMITED NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) (All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated) 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued) (af) Value added taxes The Company’s PRC subsidiaries are subject to VAT at rates ranged from 6% to 17% on proceeds received from customers, and are entitled to a deduction for VAT already paid or borne on the goods purchased by it and utilized in the production of goods that have generated the gross sales proceeds and service incurred. The VAT balance is recorded either in other current liabilities or other current receivables on the consolidated balance sheets. (ag) Comprehensive income (loss) Comprehensive income (loss) is defined to include all changes in equity except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. During the periods presented, comprehensive income (loss) is reported in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income, and other comprehensive income (loss) includes foreign currency translation adjustments, unrealized gain or loss of available-for-sale investments and reclassification adjustments of available-for-sale investments. (ah) Concentration of credit risk Financial instruments that potentially expose the Group to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, held-to-maturity investments, amounts due from related parties, other receivables and prepayments. The Group places its cash and cash equivalents and held-to-maturity investments with financial institutions with high-credit ratings and quality. Accounts receivable primarily comprise of amounts receivable from product delivery service providers, receivables from consumer and supplier financing services. There are no significant credit risk concentrated with any specific delivery service providers, end customers under consumer financing or suppliers under financing service arrangements. Account receivables from product delivery service providers relates to amounts collected from customers by the service providers when products are delivered. The Group conducts a credit evaluation of these service providers and require a certain amount of security deposits from them to manage its credit risk. The principal amounts of all held-to-maturity securities are guaranteed by the issuers. Amounts due from related parties are prepayments related to purchases of goods from the entities controlled by shareholders of the Company. Due to the nature of the relationship, the Company considers there to be no collection risks in regard to amounts due from related parties. With respect to advances to product suppliers, the Group performs on-going credit evaluations of the financial condition of its suppliers. The Group establishes an allowance for doubtful accounts based upon estimates of various factors surrounding the credit risk of delivery service providers, end customers and suppliers, such as credit rating, overdue date and collaterate. (ai) Fair value of financial instruments Fair value is considered to be the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. When determining the fair value measurements for assets and liabilities required or permitted to be recorded at fair value, the Group considers the principal or most advantageous market in which it would transact and considers assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or F-30 VIPSHOP HOLDINGS LIMITED NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) (All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated) 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued) liability. The established fair value hierarchy requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. A financial instrument’s categorization within the fair value hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The three levels of inputs may be used to measure fair value include: Level 1 Applies to assets or liabilities for which there are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 Applies to assets or liabilities for which there are inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in markets with insufficient volume or infrequent transactions (less active markets); or model-derived valuations in which significant inputs are observable or can be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data. Level 3 Applies to assets or liabilities for which there are unobservable inputs to the valuation methodology that are significant to the measurement of the fair value of the assets or liabilities. Measured at fair value on a recurring basis The Group’s financial assets and liabilities that were required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2016 and 2017 include available-for-sale investments. As of December 31, 2016 and 2017, information about inputs into the fair value measurements of the Group’s assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis in periods subsequent to their initial recognition is as follows. Description Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) As of December 31, 2016 RMB RMB RMB RMB Available-for-sale investments—marketable equity securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Available-for-sale investments—debt security . . . . . 240,889 167,055 240,889 — — 167,055 — — F-31 VIPSHOP HOLDINGS LIMITED NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) (All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated) 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued) Description Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) As of December 31, 2017 RMB RMB RMB RMB Available-for-sale investments—marketable equity securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Available-for-sale investments—debt security . . . . . 352 145,930 352 — — 145,930 — — Available-for-sale investments represent the marketable equity securities and debt securities invested by the Group. The marketable equity securities are carried at fair values. The Group measures its listed equity securities using quoted prices for the underlying securities in active markets, and accordingly, the Group classifies the valuation techniques that use these inputs as Level 1. The debt securities consist of investments in private companies’ redeemable shares that has stated maturity and pay a prospective fixed rate of return. The investments are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. The fair value is measured using discounted cash flow model based on contractual cash flow and a discount rate of prevailing market yield for products with similar terms as of the measurement date, as such, it is classified within Level 2 measurement. Measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis Other than the impaired investment in affiliates (Note 10) and other investments (Note 11), the Group did not have any assets and liabilities that were measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. The estimated fair values of the investment in affiliates and other investments at the time of impairment test were estimated by applying unobservable inputs to the discounted cash flow valuation methodology that are significant to the measurement of the fair value of these assets (Level 3). The carrying values of the Group’s financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, other receivables, accounts payable, other current liabilities, amounts due from and to related parties, short term loans and short term securitization debt approximate their fair values due to the short term nature of these instruments. The estimated fair value of convertible senior notes as of December 31, 2016 and 2017 were approximately RMB4,382,445 and RMB4,090,808, respectively, as compared to its carrying value of RMB4,381,698 and RMB4,094,903, respectively. Fair value was estimated using quoted market prices and represented a level 1 measurement. The carrying value of the Group’s short-term held-to-maturity investments approximates their fair values due to the short term nature and significant inputs are observable or can be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data (Level 2). The Group measures certain assets, including investment in affiliates and other investments, at fair value on a nonrecurring basis when they are deemed to be impaired. The fair values of these investments are determined based on valuation techniques using the best information available, and may include management judgments, future performance projections, etc. An impairment charge to these investments is recorded when the cost of the investment exceeds its fair value and this condition is determined to be other-than-temporary. F-32 VIPSHOP HOLDINGS LIMITED NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) (All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated) 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued) (aj) Operating leases Leases where substantially all the rewards and risks of ownership of assets remain with the leasing company are accounted for as operating leases. Other leases are accounted for as capital leases. Payments made under operating leases, net of any incentives received by the Group from the leasing company, are charged to the statements of income and comprehensive income on a straight-line basis over the lease periods. (ak) Share-based Compensation Employee share-based compensation Share-based payments made to employees, including employee stock options, and non-vested shares issued to employees which the Company has a repurchase option, are recognized as compensation expenses over the requisite service periods. The Group measures the cost of employee services received in exchange for share-based compensation at the grant date fair value of the awards. The Company recognized compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award with graded vesting provided that the amount of compensation cost recognized at any date must at least equal the portion of the grant-date value of the award that is vested at that date. The estimate of forfeitures will be adjusted over the requisite service period to the extent that actual forfeitures differ, or are expected to differ, from such estimates. Changes in estimated forfeitures will be recognized through a cumulative catch-up adjustment in the period of change and will also impact the amount of share-based compensation expense to be recognized in future periods. Non-employee share-based compensation Share-based compensation made to non-employees are recognized as compensation expenses ratably over the requisite service periods. The Group measures the cost of non-employee services received in exchange for share-based compensation based on the fair value of the equity instruments issued. The Group measures the fair value of the equity instruments in these transactions using the stock price and other measurement assumptions on the measurement date, which is determined as the earlier of the date at which a commitment for performance by the counterparty to earn the equity instruments is reached, or the date at which the counterparty’s performance is complete. As the quantity and terms of the equity instruments issued to non-employees are known up front, the Group recognizes the cost incurred during financial reporting periods before the measurement date. The Group measures the equity instruments at their then-current fair values at each of the financial reporting dates, and attributes the changes in those fair values over the future services period until the measurement date has been established. (al) Earnings per share Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net earnings attributable to ordinary shareholders by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year. Diluted earnings per share reflect the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue ordinary shares were exercised or converted into ordinary shares. F-33 VIPSHOP HOLDINGS LIMITED NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) (All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated) 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued) (am) Treasury stock Treasury stock represents ordinary shares repurchased by the Group that are no longer outstanding and are held by the Group. The repurchase of ordinary shares is accounted for under the cost method whereby the entire cost of the acquired stock is recorded as treasury stock. The cost of treasury stock is transferred to ‘‘additional paid-in capital’’ when it is re-issued for the purpose of stock options exercised and share awards. (an) Segment reporting Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise for which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker (‘‘CODM’’), or decision making group, in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. The Group’s CODM is the Chief Executive Officer. The Group historically had only one single reportable segment because the CODM formerly relied on the consolidated results of operations when making decisions about allocating resources and assessing performance of the Group. With the development of the new business initiatives, the CODM started to separately evaluate performance and allocate resources by different business segments, thus the Group changed its segment reporting in 2017. The Group’s principal operations are currently organized into two major business segments, the Vip.com segment and the Internet finance businesses segment, which are defined based on the products and services provided. Vip.com represents the Group’s e-commerce business, while the Internet finance businesses mainly includes the consumer financing, supplier financing and wealth management services. Accordingly, the Group updated the presentation of its reportable segments for prior years to conform to the current year’s presentation in accordance with ASC 280, Segment Reporting. (ao) Recent Changes in Accounting Standards In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (‘‘FASB’’) issued, ASU 2014-09, ‘‘Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)’’, which supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in ASC 605, Revenue Recognition. The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The accounting guidance also requires additional disclosure regarding the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfil a contract. ASU 2014-09 can be adopted using one of two retrospective application methods. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, ‘‘Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), Deferral of the Effective Date’’, which defers the effective date of ASU 2014-09 by one year, to fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods therein. Additionally, the FASB issued the following various updates affecting the guidance in ASU 2014-09. The effective dates and transition requirements are the same as those in ASC Topic 606 above. In March 2016, FASB issued an amendment to the standard, ASU 2016-08, ‘‘Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Principal versus Agent Considerations’’ Under the amendment, an entity is required to determine whether the nature of its promise is to provide the specified good or F-34 VIPSHOP HOLDINGS LIMITED NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) (All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated) 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued) service itself (that is, the entity is a principal) or to arrange for that good or service to be provided by the other party (as an agent). In April 2016, FASB issued ASU 2016-10, ‘‘Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing’’, to clarify identifying performance obligations and the licensing implementation guidance, which retaining the related principles for those areas. In May 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-12, ‘‘Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients’’. This update addresses narrow-scope improvements to the guidance on collectability, noncash consideration and completed contracts at transition. The update provides a practical expedient for contract modifications at transition and an accounting policy election related to the presentation of sales taxes and other similar taxes collected from customers. Then, in December 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-20, ‘‘Technical Corrections and Improvements to Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers’’. The updates in ASU 2016-20 affect narrow aspects of the guidance issued in ASU 2014-09. The Group will adopt the ASUs on January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective approach with a cumulative adjustment that will change retained earnings rather than full retrospective approach which retrospectively adjust prior periods. The Group analyzed the impact of ASU 2014-09, and the related ASU’s, across all revenue streams to evaluate the impact of the new standard on revenue contracts. This included reviewing current accounting policies and practices to identify potential differences that would result from applying the requirements under the new standard. The Group substantially completed contract reviews and validated the results of applying the new revenue guidance. In addition to the enhanced footnote disclosures related to customer contracts, the Company anticipates that the most significant impact of the new standard will relate to the timing of revenue recognition for product sales contracts. In addition, ASC 606 is expected to change the Group’s accounting for Weipin Coins. The adoption of ASC 606 is not expected to have a material effect on the Group’s consolidated financial statements. Product Revenue Recognition The Group offers customers with an unconditional right of return for a period of 7 days upon receipt of products on sales from its platforms. The Group expects that the application of these ASUs will result in an earlier recognition of sales of goods at the point of time when the control of goods has been passed to the customers, with an adjustment of estimated returns for an amount that the Group expects it is probable that significant reversal will not occur when the uncertainty associated with expected returns is resolved at the end of the 7 days return period. Weipin Coins The Group also will change its policy on how Weipin Coins are recognised which are currently accrued as deferred revenue for the estimated value earned and expected to be redeemed based on all outstanding reward points related to prior purchases at the end of each reporting period. Upon adoption of the ASUs, Weipin Coins will be accounted for as a single performance obligation and identified as variable consideration. The Group will estimate the standalone selling price of the reward points on the basis of the likelihood of redemption and allocate the transaction price to the product and the reward points on a relative standalone selling price basis. F-35 VIPSHOP HOLDINGS LIMITED NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) (All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated) 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued) Other Revenue Streams The Group derives other revenue from i) fees charged to third-party merchants which the Group provides platform access for sales of their products, ii) logistic services to external customers, iii) promotion activities for certain brands on its website, and iv) inventory and warehouse management services to certain suppliers. Aggregate revenue under these arrangement is less than 5% of consolidated revenues. Based on the completed analysis, the Group does not anticipate that the adoption of ASC 606 will have a material impact on these revenue streams. In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, ‘‘Financial Instruments-Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities’’ (‘‘ASU 2016-01’’), which requires that equity investments, except for those accounted for under the equity method or those that result in consolidation of the investee, be measured at fair value, with subsequent changes in fair value recognized in net income. However, an entity may choose to measure equity investments that do not have readily determinable fair values at cost minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or a similar investment of the same issuer. ASU 2016-01 also impacts the presentation and disclosure requirements for financial instruments. ASU 2016-01 is effective for public business entities for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted only for certain provisions. The guidance should be applied prospectively upon its effective date. The Group plans to adopt this ASU beginning on January 1, 2018, and based on the Group’s equity investments as of December 31, 2017, the application of ASU 2016-01 may result in the Group’s cost method investments to be measured at fair value, with subsequent changes in fair value recognized in net income. The Group also expects that that it may elect to measure certain equity investments that do not have readily determinable fair values at cost minus impairment, with appropriate adjustments resulting from observable price changes in orderly and comparable transactions, if any. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, ‘‘Leases (Topic 842)’’, which requires lessees to recognize most leases on the balance sheet. This ASU requires lessees to recognize a right-of-use asset and lease liability for all leases with terms of more than 12 months. Lessees are permitted to make an accounting policy election to not recognize the asset and liability for leases with a term of twelve months or less. The ASU does not significantly change the lessees’ recognition, measurement and presentation of expenses and cash flows from the previous accounting standard. Lessors’ accounting under the ASC is largely unchanged from the previous accounting standard. In addition, the ASU expands the disclosure requirements of lease arrangements. Lessees and lessors will use a modified retrospective transition approach, which includes a number of practical expedients. The provisions of this guidance are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those years, with early adoption permitted. Upon the application of this ASU, in respect of the non-cancellable operating lease commitments in which the Group is a leasee, the Group expects to recognize a right-of-use asset and a corresponding liability in respect of all these leases unless they qualify for low value or short-term leases. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, ‘‘Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments’’ which is intended to improve financial reporting by requiring timelier recording of credit losses on loans and other financial instruments held by financial institutions and other organizations. The ASU requires the measurement of all expected F-36 VIPSHOP HOLDINGS LIMITED NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) (All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated) 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued) credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Financial institutions and other organizations will now use forward-looking information to better inform their credit loss estimates. Many of the loss estimation techniques applied today will still be permitted, although the inputs to those techniques will change to reflect the full amount of expected credit losses. Organizations will continue to use judgment to determine which loss estimation method is appropriate for their circumstances. The ASU requires enhanced disclosures to help investors and other financial statement users better understand significant estimates and judgments used in estimating credit losses, as well as the credit quality and underwriting standards of an organization’s portfolio. These disclosures include qualitative and quantitative requirements that provide additional information about the amounts recorded in the financial statements. In addition, the ASU amends the accounting for credit losses on available-for-sale debt securities and purchased financial assets with credit deterioration. The ASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. Based on the Group’s financial instruments and risk management policies as of December 31, 2017, application of this ASU in the future may have impact on the measurement of the Group’s financial assets. The expected credit loss model may result in earlier provision of credit losses which are not yet incurred in relation to the Group’s financial assets measured at amortized cost. It should be noted that the above assessments were made based on an analysis of the Group’s financial assets and financial liabilities as of December 31, 2017 on the basis of the facts and circumstances that existed at that date. As facts and circumstances may change during the period leading up to the initial date of application of this ASU, the assessment of the potential impact is subject to change. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, ‘‘Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments’’. The new guidance is intended to reduce diversity in practice in how certain transactions are classified in the statement of cash flows. This update requires that debt prepayments or debt extinguishment costs be classified as cash outflows for financing activities and provides additional classification guidance for the statement of cash flows. The update also requires that the classification of cash receipts and payments that have aspects of more than one class of cash flows to be determined by applying specific guidance under generally accepted accounting principles. The update also requires that each separately identifiable source or use within the cash receipts and payments be classified on the basis of their nature in financing, investing or operating activities. The update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. This guidance will be adopted retrospectively by the Group to all periods presented. The Group does not anticipate that the adoption of ASU 2016-15 will have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements. In October 2016, FASB issued ASU 2016-16, ‘‘Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory’’. Current U.S. GAAP prohibits the recognition of current and deferred income taxes for an intra-entity asset transfer until the asset has been sold to an outside party. Under the new standard, an entity is to recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory when the transfer occurs. The new standard does not include new disclosure requirements; however, existing disclosure requirements might be applicable when accounting for the current and deferred income taxes for an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory. The new standard is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods within those annual periods. This guidance will be applied on a modified F-37 VIPSHOP HOLDINGS LIMITED NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) (All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated) 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued) retrospective basis through a cumulative-effect adjustment directly to retained earnings as of the beginning of the period of adoption. The Group does not anticipate that the adoption of ASU 2016-16 will have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements. In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, ‘‘Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash’’, which amends ASC 230 to clarify guidance and presentation related to restricted cash in the consolidated statements of cash flows as well as increased disclosure requirements. This update requires beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statements of cash flows to include cash and cash equivalents as well as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents. The update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. The Group early adopted this ASU from the year ended December 31, 2017, using the retrospective transition approach. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, ‘‘Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business’’. The update affects all companies and other reporting organizations that must determine whether they have acquired or sold a business. The definition of a business affects many areas of accounting including acquisitions, disposals, goodwill, and consolidation. The update is intended to help companies and other organizations evaluate whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. The update provides a more robust framework to use in determining when a set of assets and activities is a business, and also provides more consistency in applying the guidance, reduce the costs of application, and make the definition of a business more operable. The update is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those periods. The guidance should be applied prospectively upon its effective date. The effect of ASU 2017-01 on the consolidated financial statements will be dependent on any future acquisitions. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, ‘‘Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment’’. The update simplifies the subsequent measurement of goodwill by eliminating Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. The annual, or interim, goodwill impairment test is performed by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. An impairment charge should be recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value. The update also eliminates the requirements for any reporting unit with a zero or negative carrying amount to perform a qualitative assessment and, if it fails that qualitative test, to perform Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test. An entity still has the option to perform the qualitative assessment for a reporting unit to determine if the quantitative impairment test is necessary. The update should be applied on a prospective basis. The nature of and reason for the change in accounting principle should be disclosed upon transition. The update is effective for any annual or interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. The guidance should be applied prospectively upon its effective date. The Group does not anticipate that the adoption of ASU 2017-04 will have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements. F-38 VIPSHOP HOLDINGS LIMITED NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) (All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated) 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued) In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-09, ‘‘Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope of Modification Accounting’’. The ASU provides guidance on the types of changes to the terms or conditions of share-based payment awards to which an entity would be required to apply modification accounting under ASC 718. Specifically, an entity would not apply modification accounting if the fair value, vesting conditions, and classification of the awards are the same immediately before and after the modification. For all entities, the ASU is effective for annual reporting periods, including interim periods within those annual reporting periods, beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in any interim period. The Group does not anticipate that the adoption of ASU 2017-09 will have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements. In November 2017, the FASB issued a new pronouncement, ASU 2017-14, which amends the Codification to incorporate SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) No. 116 and SEC Interpretive Release on Vaccines for Federal Government Stockpiles (SEC Release No. 33-10403) that bring existing SEC staff guidance into conformity with the FASB’s adoption of and amendments to ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The SEC issued SAB 116 to bring existing SEC staff guidance into conformity with the FASB’s adoption of and amendments to ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The SAB modified SAB Topic 13, Revenue Recognition, SAB Topic 8, Retail Companies, and Section A, Operating-Differential Subsidies, of SAB Topic 11, Miscellaneous Disclosure. SEC Interpretive Release on Vaccines for Federal Government Stockpiles (SEC Release No. 33-10403) was issued to update its 2005 Commission Guidance Regarding Accounting for Sales of Vaccines and Bioterror Countermeasures to the Federal Government for Placement into the Pediatric Vaccine Stockpile or the Strategic National Stockpile. For all entities, the ASU is effective upon adoption of ASC 606, Revenue From Contracts with Customers. 3. Significant acquisition and equity transactions (a) Acquisitions in 2016 In February 2015, the Group acquired a 42.61% equity interest of Feiyuan Logistic Company Ltd. and its subsidiaries (‘‘Feiyuan’’) and obtained significant influence over it. As a result, Feiyuan become an equity affiliate of the Group. Feiyuan is a company principally providing warehousing, express, transportation and distribution services to E-commerce companies in southeast China. In January 2016, the Group acquired additional equity interest of 26.18% in Feiyuan with a cash consideration of RMB65,452 and Feiyuan became a subsidiary of the Group since then, as the Group had control over its operating and financing decisions. The Group recorded RMB210,669 in goodwill related to the acquisitions of Feiyuan that was allocated to the logistic reporting unit. The acquisition was accounted for as a business combination, and the results of operations of Feiyuan are included in the Group’s consolidated financial statements from the acquisition date. The Group made estimates and judgments in determining the fair values of acquired assets and liabilities, based on an independent valuation report and management’s experiences with similar assets and F-39 VIPSHOP HOLDINGS LIMITED NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) (All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated) 3. Significant acquisition and equity transactions (Continued) liabilities. The following table summarizes the estimated fair values for major classes of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition: Weighted average amortization period at the acquisition date (in years) 14 Net tangible liabilities acquired . . . . . . . . . . . . Intangible assets—customer relationship . . . . . . Goodwill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Non-controlling interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deferred tax liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RMB (18,388) 17,693 210,669 (4,423) (59,851) Total consideration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145,700 Consideration transferred Cash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fair value of the Group’s previously held equity interests in Feiyuan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65,452 80,248 Total consideration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145,700 The fair value of the Group’s previously held equity interests in Feiyuan as at the acquisition date was determined by using the discounted cash flow model. The key inputs from this valuation include a risk-adjusted discount rate and discount of lack of control. No gain or loss was recognized as a result of remeasuring to fair value of the previously held equity interests in Feiyuan. In May 2016, the Group acquired additional non-controlling equity interest of 28.19% in Feiyuan with a cash consideration of RMB110,001, which did not result in change in control and was accounted for as equity transaction. After these transactions, the Group held 96.98% equity interest of Feiyuan. In September 2016, the Group completed the acquisition of Zhejiang Ebatong Technology Co. (‘‘Ebatong’’), following the completion of the transaction, Ebatong became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Group. Ebatong is a company which principally provides third party payment service to customers, acquisition of Ebatong was primarily for the purpose of developing the Company’s internet payment channel. After the acquisition, Ebatong changed its business registration into Zhejaing Vipshop Payment Co., Ltd. The Group recorded RMB13,291 in goodwill related to the acquisitions of Ebatong that was allocated to the Internet finance reporting unit. The total cash consideration was RMB410,417 in which RMB336,065 and RMB56,571 were paid during the year ended December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively. The remaining amounts of RMB74,352 and RMB17,781 were included in the other payables as of December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively. The acquisition cost amounted to RMB4,000 was recorded in general and administrative expenses when it incurred. The acquisition had been accounted for as a business combination and the results of operations of Ebatong have been included in the Group’s consolidated financial statements from the acquisition date. The Group made estimates and judgments in determining the fair value of acquired assets and F-40 VIPSHOP HOLDINGS LIMITED NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) (All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated) 3. Significant acquisition and equity transactions (Continued) liabilities, based on an independent valuation report and management’s experiences with similar assets and liabilities. The following table summarizes the estimated fair values for major classes of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition: Net tangible assets acquired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Intangible assets—Payment license . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Goodwill Weighted average amortization period at the acquisition date (in years) Indefinite life RMB 95,332 319,660 13,291 Total consideration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 428,283 Consideration transferred and liabilities assumed Cash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other receivables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 410,417 17,866 Total consideration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 428,283 During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Group acquired additional equity interests of certain logistic companies and obtained over 50% voting right. The acquisitions are not individually or in aggregate significant to the Group’s net assets and results of operations. These acquisitions have an aggregate purchase price of RMB50,218. The acquisitions were accounted for under purchase accounting and the results of these logistic companies are included in the Group’s consolidated results from the acquisition dates. The Group recorded RMB34,365 in goodwill related to the acquisitions of these logistic companies allocated to the logistic reporting unit. No additional intangible asset was identified during these acquisitions. Based on the assessment of the acquired companies’ financial performance made by the Group, the acquired companies, including its subsidiary during 2016 are not considered material to the consolidated results of operations both individually and in aggregate. Thus pro forma results of operations for these acquisitions in 2016 as well as the results of operations since the date of acquisitions to the period end have not been presented. None of the goodwill recognized during the acquisitions is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes. F-41 VIPSHOP HOLDINGS LIMITED NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) (All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated) 4. Accounts Receivable, net Components of accounts receivable are as follows: Other trade receivables (Note a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Delivery service providers (Note b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . As of December 31, 2016 2017 RMB 2,165,639 209,340 5,148 RMB 4,611,930 298,124 18,364 Subtotal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,380,127 4,928,418 Less: allowance for doubtful accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (46,209) (124,891) Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,333,918 4,803,527 Note a: The Group provides consumer financing to certain customers as part of the Group’s Internet financing business. These receivables usually have a repayment term up to 18 months. As of December 31, 2017, RMB1 billion receivables from customer financing were collateralized for the issuance of asset-back debts, details of the securitization debt are set out in Note 17. Note b: For certain sales transactions, third party delivery service providers will collect payments from the Group’s customers upon delivery of goods, and remit such payments back to the Group on a periodic basis. The movement of allowance for doubtful accounts during the years are as follows: Year ended December 31, RMB Balance at beginning of the year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — Provision for allowance during the year . . . . . . . . . . . . . — (53,316) 7,107 Write-offs during the year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — RMB — (46,209) (111,183) 32,501 2015 2016 2017 RMB Balance at end of the year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — (46,209) (124,891) F-42 VIPSHOP HOLDINGS LIMITED NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) (All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated) 5. Other Receivables and Prepayments, net Components of other receivables and prepayments are as follows: Deposits (Note a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cash advanced to staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Loans to staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . VAT receivable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Interest receivable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Advances to suppliers related to financing activities (Note b) . Advances to suppliers related to procurement activities . . . . . Prepaid expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Others . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . As of December 31, 2016 RMB 236,066 16,272 12,262 555,899 16,905 855,755 263,001 92,452 245,213 2017 RMB 342,703 12,847 30,402 791,156 25,871 1,502,046 646,027 152,179 170,965 Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,293,825 3,674,196 Note a Deposits consist of amounts paid to vendors for advertising and rentals. Note b The Group provides financing to some of its suppliers by advancing them cash, and held portions of accounts payables the Group owed to them as pledges. 6. Held-to-Maturity Investments As of December 31, 2016 and 2017, the Group’s held-to-maturity investments consist of debt securities carried at amortized cost of RMB671,776 and RMB245,981 respectively, which approximate the aggregate fair value. All of these securities mature within one year and are classified as current assets. The amount of unrealized holding gain as of December 31, 2016 and 2017 was RMB1,776 and RMB5,981, respectively. All the held-to-maturity investments consist of wealth management products purchased from third- party financial institutions with high credit ratings in China. These debt securities have fixed maturity dates and pay a target return on the amount invested. In addition, the principals of these securities are fully guaranteed and early redemption is not allowed. There has been no impairment recognized and no sales of any held-to-maturity investments before maturities during the periods presented. F-43 VIPSHOP HOLDINGS LIMITED NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) (All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated) 7. Property and Equipment, net Cost: Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Furniture, fixtures and equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Leasehold improvements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Motor vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Construction in process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . As of December 31, 2016 RMB 2017 RMB 2,525,064 1,602,608 252,331 117,661 147,329 893,275 3,892,010 2,340,437 372,702 414,247 108,468 1,187,157 Sub-total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Less: accumulated depreciation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5,538,268 (1,070,817) 8,315,021 (1,654,196) Property and equipment, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,467,451 6,660,825 Year ended December 31, 2015 RMB 2016 RMB 2017 RMB Depreciation expenses were charged to: Fulfillment expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marketing expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Technology and content expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . General and administrative expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145,375 2,694 132,448 10,884 289,338 296 262,073 59,269 329,945 305 312,506 78,084 Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291,401 610,976 720,840 F-44 VIPSHOP HOLDINGS LIMITED NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) (All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated) 8. Land Use Rights, net Cost: Land in Zhaoqing City . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Land in Tianjin City . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Land in Jianyang City . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Land in Ezhou City . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Land in Zhengzhou City . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Land in Qingdao City . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Land in Guangzhou City . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Land in Shenyang City . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Land in Xi’an City . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Land in Urumqi City . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Land in Tai’an City . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Land in Hengyang City . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Land in other cities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . As of December 31, 2016 RMB 2017 RMB 187,081 37,905 143,452 241,927 24,776 68,631 1,736,417 187,081 137,795 143,452 241,927 134,779 68,631 1,845,181 — 138,425 83,899 — 56,272 — 55,243 — 52,219 — 29,542 — Sub-total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,440,189 3,174,446 Less: Accumulated amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (41,131) (96,676) Land use rights, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,399,058 3,077,770 The expiry dates of the land use rights are from October 2064 to April 2067. Amortization expenses charged were RMB2,785, RMB37,657 and RMB55,545 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017, respectively. 9. Intangible Assets, Net As of December 31, 2016 As of December 31, 2017 Accumulated amortization (Note a) Impairment RMB (15,927) (202,418) (611,359) (67,102) — (8,453) RMB — — — — — (16,907) Net amount RMB — 110,885 287,155 3,025 319,660 4,422 Cost RMB 15,927 313,303 898,514 70,127 319,660 29,782 Cost RMB 15,040 313,303 888,370 70,127 319,660 45,035 Domain names . . . . . . . Customer Relationships . . . . . . . . . . . Trademarks . Non-compete agreement Payment license (Note b) . Others . . . . . . . . . . . . Accumulated amortization (Note a) Impairment RMB (15,040) (287,142) (850,562) (70,127) — (10,763) RMB — — — — — (16,907) (16,907) Net amount RMB — 26,161 37,808 — 319,660 17,365 400,994 Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,647,313 (905,259) (16,907) 725,147 1,651,535 (1,233,634) Note: a. b. Amortization expenses for intangible assets were RMB289,644, RMB363,977 and RMB340,816 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017, respectively. The Group expects to record amortization expenses of RMB47,146, RMB3,059, RMB2,360, RMB1,602 and RMB1,271 for the years ending December 31, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 respectively. Payment license enables the Group to provide payment services and qualifies as a paying institution, has a legal life of 5 years. The Group renewed the license during the year ended December 31, 2017 and the expiry date will be June 2022. The Group believes it F-45 VIPSHOP HOLDINGS LIMITED NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) (All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated) 9. Intangible Assets, Net (Continued) would be able to renew the payment license at minimal cost continuously and has the ability to do so. As a result, the payment license is considered by the Group as having an indefinite life because it is expected to contribute to net cash inflow indefinitely. 10. Investment in Affiliates Investment in affiliates as of December 31, 2016 and 2017 were as follows: Equity-method investments: Ovation(i) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other(ii) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . As of December 31, 2016 RMB 2017 RMB 71,908 21,236 46,630 19,704 93,144 66,334 Details of the significant investments are as follows: (i) On February 21, 2014, the Group acquired a 23% equity interest in Ovation, which is a British Virgin Island (‘‘BVI’’) company that engages in research and development, and distribution of beauty products and production and publication of TV programme, for a total consideration of approximately US$55,777 (approximately RMB339,303) pursuant to a share purchase and subscription agreement with Ovation and certain of its existing shareholders. (ii) Other investment in affiliate represents investment in a private company that engages in cosmetic sales which the Group owns 20% voting right or higher and has significant influences. During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017, the Group recognized its share of loss of affiliates in the amount of RMB84,063, RMB71,489 and RMB22,280, respectively. The total impairment losses on equity method investments were RMB58,510, nil and nil during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017, respectively. The amount of impairment in 2015 is related to Ovation and is recorded as impairment loss of investments in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. 11. Other Investments Other investments comprise of investments in private companies which the Group owns equity interest of less than 20%, including certain E-commence companies and PRC registered companies that provide technology services. F-46 VIPSHOP HOLDINGS LIMITED NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) (All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated) 11. Other Investments (Continued) The movements in the carrying amount of other investments are as follows: Balance at December 31, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Additions Less: impairment loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Foreign currency translation adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Balance as of December 31, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Additions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Less: impairment loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Foreign currency translation adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other Investments RMB 489,862 51,860 (65,940) 27,335 503,117 23,685 (118,026) (21,136) Balance as of December 31, 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 387,640 The impairment losses on cost method investments were RMB41,239, RMB65,940 and RMB118,026 during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017, respectively. 12. Available-for-Sale Investments The carrying amount and fair value of the Group’s available-for-sale investments were as follows: Listed equity securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Debt securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amortized cost RMB 229,147 167,055 Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 396,202 Listed equity securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Debt securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amortized cost RMB 794 145,930 Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146,724 As of December 31, 2016 Gross unrealized gains Gross unrealized losses RMB 11,742 — 11,742 RMB — — — As of December 31, 2017 Gross unrealized gains Gross unrealized losses RMB — — — RMB (442) — (442) Fair value RMB 240,889 167,055 407,944 Fair value RMB 352 145,930 146,282 F-47 VIPSHOP HOLDINGS LIMITED NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) (All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated) 12. Available-for-Sale Investments (Continued) The Group reviews its available-for-sale investments regularly to determine if an investment is other-than-temporarily impaired due to changes in quoted market price or other impairment indicators such as market condition for the investees’ industry and products and services. As of December 31, 2016 and 2017, gross unrealized gains of RMB11,742 and nil and gross unrealized losses of nil and RMB442 were recorded on available-for-sale investments, respectively. Impairment charges of nil, RMB48,634 and RMB15,000 were recorded for years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017, respectively. The gain on disposal of an investment of RMB55,615 was recognized for the year ended December 31, 2017. 13. Other Long-Term Assets As of December 31, 2016 2017 Deposit for land use rights (Note a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Prepayment for investments (Note b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Long term trade receivables (Note c) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Others . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RMB RMB — 458,447 895 240,000 — 63,872 62,888 51,479 Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 510,821 366,760 Note a: During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Group paid certain deposits in relation to the purchase of land use rights located in Chongqing City, Xinjiang Autonomous Region, Liaoning Province, Hengyang City, Tianjin City, Shanxi Province and Guangzhou City. During the year ended December 31, 2017, the deposits were transferred to the land use rights as the lands are ready for use. Note b: The amount as of December 31, 2017 represented deposit paid to an escrow account for formation of an insurance company with other independent parties. The Group will hold approximately 16% of the equity interest of the investee and will be able to appoint a director to the board. Up to the date of these financial statements, the establishment process is not yet completed. There is no purchase commitment for the Group in accordance with the equity owners’ agreement. Note c: The Company provides consumer financing to certain customers as part of the Group’s internet financing business with instalment payment up to 18 months. The Group recorded the consumer financing receivables with a repayment term of over twelve months in the amounts of nil and RMB63,872 for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively. F-48 VIPSHOP HOLDINGS LIMITED NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) (All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated) 14. Goodwill The movements in the carrying amount of goodwill are as follows: Balance as of January 1, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Addition for acquisition—Feiyuan (Note 3(a)) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Addition for acquisition—Ebatong (Note 3(b)) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Addition for acquisition—Others . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Balance as of December 31, 2016 and 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total RMB 108,781 210,669 13,291 34,365 367,106 As stated in Note 3, the Group has acquired certain businesses during 2016. The excess of purchase price over net tangible assets and identifiable intangible assets acquired were recorded as goodwill accordingly. The Group performed the annual impairment analysis as of the balance sheet date. There has been no impairment recognized in goodwill during the periods presented. 15. Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities Accrued advertising expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Accrued shipping and handling expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Accrued payroll and social benefit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deposits from delivery service providers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Taxes payables (Note a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Accrued rental expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Accrued administrative expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amounts received on behalf of third-party merchants (Note b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Interest payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Others . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . As of December 31, 2016 RMB 511,394 624,699 707,467 152,494 602,671 64,829 170,708 2017 RMB 621,238 336,580 801,553 150,035 767,518 67,869 229,795 302,486 18,529 167,322 3,322,599 300,264 17,356 244,943 3,537,151 Note a: Amounts represent income tax payable, VAT and related surcharges and PRC individual income tax of employees withheld by the Company. Note b: Amounts relate to the cash collected on behalf of third-party merchants which the Group provides platform access for sales of their products. 16. Employee Retirement Benefit Full time employees in the PRC participate in a government-mandated defined contribution plan pursuant to which certain pension benefits, medical care, unemployment insurance, employee housing fund and other welfare benefits are provided to employees. PRC labor regulations require the Group to make contributions based on certain percentages of the employees’ basic salaries. Other than the contribution, there is no further obligation under these plans. The total contributions and accruals made for such employee benefits were RMB337,762, RMB585,073 and RMB808,925 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017, respectively. F-49 VIPSHOP HOLDINGS LIMITED NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) (All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated) 17. Short term loans and securitization debt Short term loans During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Group entered into a US$ denominated short term bank facility agreement with an overseas bank for up to US$100,000 (approximately RMB650,630), in which US$50,000 (approximately RMB326,710) was drawn down during the year. The facility was pledged by the Group’s restricted cash amounting to RMB35,412 and was guaranteed by the Company. The borrowing carries floating interest rate based on the 3-month London Inter-Bank Offered Rate plus 1.05% per annum. During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Group entered into a RMB denominated short term bank facility agreement with a PRC bank for up to RMB179,000 and the borrowing carries floating interest rate based on the 3-month People’s Bank of China’s Deposit Benchmarking Rate plus 3.25% per annum. The facility was fully drawn down during the year. The Group also entered into a short term loan agreement with the same bank for a loan of RMB172,000, which is secured by the Group’s held-to-maturity investments amounting to RMB200,000 and carries fixed interest rate of 4.35%. During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Group also entered into a RMB denominated short term bank facility agreement with a PRC bank for up to RMB1.20 billion. Up to December 31, 2017, the facility was not yet utilized. In addition, during the year ended December 31, 2017, the Group entered into a loan agreement with a PRC bank for a loan of RMB29,600. The loan is secured by the Group’s held-to-maturity investments amounting to RMB30,000 and carries fixed interest rate of 5.75% per annum. The weighted average interest rates for the outstanding short term loans as of December 31, 2017 were approximately 3.84%. There is no financial covenants in respect of the Group’s short terms loans as of December 31, 2017. Securitization debt During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Group started to securitize accounts receivable arising from its consumer financing business. The securitization securities are recorded as securitization debt. These securitization debt amounting to RMB760,000 as of December 31, 2017 is denominated in RMB and has a weighted average interest rate of approximately 5.36%. The debt is securitized by the Group’s accounts receivables as disclosed in Note 4. The securitization debt will mature in 2018. 18. Convertible Senior Notes On March 17, 2014, the Company issued US$632,500 (approximately RMB4,391,448) in aggregate principal amount of 1.5% Convertible Senior Notes due 2019 (the ‘‘Notes’’). The Notes can be converted into the Company’s ADSs, each representing 1/5 Class A ordinary share of the Company, par value 0.001 per share (the ‘‘ordinary shares’’), at the option of the holders, based on an initial conversion rate of 49.693 of the Company’s American depositary shares (‘‘ADSs’’) (4.9693 ADSs before the ADS ratio change effective November 3, 2014) per US$1,000 principal amount of Notes F-50 VIPSHOP HOLDINGS LIMITED NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) (All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated) 18. Convertible Senior Notes (Continued) (US$20.124 per ADS, or $201.24 per ADSs before the ADS ratio change). Holders of the Notes have the right to require the Company to repurchase for cash all or part of their Notes on March 15, 2017 or upon the occurrence of certain fundamental changes at a repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the repurchase date. The Notes bear interest at a rate of 1.5% per year, payable semiannually in arrears on March 15 and September 15 of each year, beginning on September 15, 2014. The Notes will mature on March 15, 2019, unless previously repurchased or converted in accordance with their terms prior to such date. The net proceeds from the Notes offering were US$617,191 (approximately RMB4,285,157), after deducting discounts to the initial purchaser of US$14,231(approximately RMB98,806) and debt issuance costs of US$1,078 (approximately RMB7,485). Debt issuance costs and debt discounts are recorded as a direct deduction from the face amount of Convertible Senior Notes, and amortized as interest expenses, using the effective interest method, from issuance date to the first put date of the Notes (March 15, 2017). On March 15, 2017, part of the Notes holders exercised their option to redeem the Notes, the total redemption amount was US$3,125 (approximately RMB21,697). The remaining amount of the Notes will mature on March 15, 2019. 19. Distribution of Profit Pursuant to the laws applicable to entities incorporated in the PRC, the PRC subsidiaries are prohibited from distributing their statutory capital and are required to appropriate from profit after tax under accounting principles generally accepted in the PRC to other non-distributable reserve funds after offsetting accumulated losses from prior years, until the cumulative amount of such reserve fund reaches 50% of their registered capital. These reserve funds include one or more of the following: (i) a general reserve, (ii) an enterprise expansion fund and (iii) a staff bonus and welfare fund. Subject to certain cumulative limits, the general reserve fund requires annual appropriation at 10% of after tax profit (as determined under accounting principles generally accepted in the PRC at each year-end); the appropriation to the other fund are at the discretion of the subsidiaries. The general reserve is used to offset future extraordinary losses. A subsidiary may, upon a resolution passed by the shareholders, convert the general reserve into capital. The staff welfare and bonus reserve is used for the collective welfare of the employees of the subsidiary. The enterprise expansion reserve is for the expansion of the subsidiary’s operations and can be converted to capital subject to approval by the relevant authorities. These reserves represent appropriations of the retained earnings determined in accordance with Chinese law, and are not distributable as cash dividends to the Group. Relevant PRC statutory laws and regulations permit payment of dividends by the Company’s PRC subsidiaries only out of their retained earnings, if any, as determined in accordance with PRC accounting standards and regulations. The Company’s PRC subsidiaries transferred RMB234,425, RMB84,873 and RMB95,617 to the general reserve during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017, respectively. F-51 VIPSHOP HOLDINGS LIMITED NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) (All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated) 19. Distribution of Profit (Continued) The balance of restricted net assets was RMB4,278,531 and RMB6,112,334 of which RMB829,500 and RMB2,039,500 was attributed to the net assets of the VIEs and VIEs’ subsidiaries, and RMB1,128,029 and RMB1,128,029 was attributed to the paid in capital of the WFOE, as of December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively. 20. Capital Structure Issuance of convertible senior notes On March 17, 2014, the Company completed a public offering of 1,140,000 ADSs by certain of the Company’s selling shareholders, representing 2,280,000 ordinary shares, at a public offering price of US$143.74 per ADS, and US$550,000 (approximately RMB3,818,650) aggregate principal amount of the Company’s 1.50% convertible senior notes due 2019. Concurrently, the underwriters exercised in full the option to purchase an aggregate of 171,000 additional ADSs from certain selling shareholders at the public offering price of the offering and up to an additional US$82,500 (approximately RMB572,798) aggregate principal amount of the Company’s 1.50% convertible senior notes due 2019. Dual-class share structure On September 15, 2014, the Company’s shareholders voted in favor of a proposal to adopt a dual-class share structure, pursuant to which the Company’s authorized share capital was reclassified and re-designated into Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares, with each Class A ordinary share being entitled to one vote and each Class B ordinary share being entitled to ten votes on all matters that are subject to shareholder vote. Both Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares are entitled to the same dividend right. The holders of the Group’s ordinary shares are entitled to such dividends as may be declared by the board of directors subject to the Companies Law. The computation of net earnings per Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares have been adjusted retroactively for all periods presented to reflect this change. As of December 31, 2016 and 2017, all Class B ordinary shares were held by the Chairman of the Company. ADS Ratio Change Effective November 3, 2014, the Company changed its ADS to Class A ordinary share ratio from one ADS representing two Class A ordinary shares to five ADSs representing one Class A ordinary share. The computation of net earnings per ADS have been adjusted retroactively for all periods presented to reflect this change. Issuance of ordinary shares In December 2017, the Company issued 9,229,437 and 3,955,473 Class A ordinary shares to Tencent Holdings Limited (‘‘Tencent’’) and JD.com, Inc. (‘‘JD.com’’), in the amount of approximately US$603,605 (approximately RMB3,927,236) and US$258,688 (approximately RMB1,683,101), respectively. Exercise of stock options During the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2016, 956,587 and 560,930 Class A ordinary shares were issued respectively as a result of exercises of stock options by employees and a consultant. During the year ended December 31, 2017, 454,708 Class A ordinary shares were re-issued from treasury stock as a result of exercise of stock options by employees. F-52 VIPSHOP HOLDINGS LIMITED NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) (All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated) 20. Capital Structure (Continued) Vesting of shares awards During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017, 1,100,618, 861,815 and 23,413 Class A ordinary shares were issued respectively as a result of vesting of shares awards granted to employees and consultants. In addition, 902,210 Class A ordinary shares were re-issued from treasury stock as a result of vesting of shares awards granted to employees and consultants. 21. Treasury Stock On November 17, 2015, the Company’s board of directors approved a share repurchase program whereby the Company may purchase its own ADSs with an aggregate value of up to US$300 million over the following 24-month period, ending on November 16, 2017. As of December 31, 2016, the Company has repurchased 1,614,135 shares from the market in the consideration of approximately RMB844,711 in aggregate. Part of the considerations for the repurchase of shares in the amount RMB194, 514 were only settled during the year ended December 31, 2016. As of December 31, 2017, the Company has no outstanding treasury stock. During the year ended December 31, 2016 and 2017, 257,217 and 1,356,918, representing the full amount of the treasury stock in aggregate respectively, was re-issued to employees of the Group for the purpose of share awards. 22. Other Operating Income Other operating income consists of government grants and other miscellaneous income. Government grants represent rewards provided by the relevant PRC municipal government authorities to the Group for business achievements made by the Group, tax refunds, or subsidies for asset related investments made by the Group. Government grants are recognized in profit or loss on a systematic basis over the periods in which the Group recognizes as expenses the related costs for which the grants are intended to compensate. A government grant will only be recognized as other operating income when it is probable that any future economic benefit associated with an item will flow to the Group, and the grant has been received because the amount of such government grants are determined solely at the discretion of the relevant government authorities and there is no assurance that the Group will continue to receive these government grants in the future. Grants related to depreciable assets are recognized in profit or loss over the periods in which depreciation expense on those assets is recognized, corresponding to the useful lives of the assets. Other operating income is comprised of: Year ended December 31, 2015 2016 2017 Government grants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Claims for goods insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ADR reimbursement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Others . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RMB 282,330 11,136 — 14,965 RMB 282,866 19,694 RMB 347,817 34,765 — 80,115 68,358 55,469 Total other operating income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 308,431 358,029 531,055 F-53 VIPSHOP HOLDINGS LIMITED NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) (All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated) 23. Income Taxes Cayman Islands Under the current laws of the Cayman Islands, the Company is not subject to tax on its income or capital gains. In addition, upon payments of dividends by the Company to its shareholders, no Cayman Islands withholding tax will be imposed. Hong Kong The provision for current income taxes of the subsidiaries operating in Hong Kong has been calculated by applying the current rate of taxation of 16.5% for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017, if applicable. People’s Republic of China Under the Law of the People’s Republic of China on Enterprise Income Tax (‘‘EIT Law’’), domestically owned enterprises and foreign invested enterprises (the ‘‘FIEs’’) are subject to a uniform tax rate of 25%. While the EIT Law equalizes the tax rates for FIEs and domestically-owned enterprises, preferential tax treatment may continue to be given to companies in certain encouraged sectors and to entities classified as high-technology companies, regardless of whether these are domestically-owned enterprises or FIEs. The Group’s subsidiaries and the variable interest entities in the PRC are all subject to the tax rate of 25% for the periods presented except for some subsidiaries, mainly including Vipshop Jianyang, Vipshop Chongqing, Vipshop Zhuhai, Pinwei Software and Guangzhou Vipshop Internet Technology Co., Ltd. (‘‘Vipshop Internet Technology’’), that were entitled to the following preferential tax treatment on an annual renewal basis: Vipshop Jianyang and Vipshop Chongqing were classified as encouraged enterprises in the western region in an industry sector encouraged by the PRC government and entitled to a preferential tax rate of 15%. Vipshop Jianyang has obtained the final approval from the State Administration of Taxation and been entitled to a preferential tax rate of 15% for the period from February 22, 2012 to December 31, 2020. Vipshop Zhuhai was entitled to a preferential tax rate of 15% as it is located in an economy development zone in the PRC and its primary business falls into the scopes of the encouraged industries stipulated in the existing related policies. The term ‘‘encouraged enterprise in an industry sector encouraged by the PRC government’’ as used herein refers to an enterprise incorporated in certain region whose that its primary business falls into the scopes of the encouraged industries stipulated in the existing related policies, including Catalogue of Encouraged Industries in the Western Region, Industrial Restructuring Guidance Catalogue (2011, revised in 2013), Catalogue for the Guidance of Foreign Investment Industries (Revised in 2017), Catalogue of Foreign-invested Advantage Industries in Central-Western Region (Revised in 2017), Circular of the Ministry of Finance and the State Administration of Taxation on the Preferential Enterprise Income Tax Policies and Catalogue for Hengqin New Area of Guangdong Province, Pingtan Comprehensive Experimental Area of Fujian Province and Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone of Shenzhen City. F-54 VIPSHOP HOLDINGS LIMITED NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) (All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated) 23. Income Taxes (Continued) Pinwei Software was classified as a high and new technology enterprise and entitled to a preferential tax rate of 15% pursuant to Article 28 of the EIT Law for the periods from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2016. Subsequent to the year ended December 31, 2017, Pinwei Software applied and was classified as ‘‘State Planning Key Software Enterprise’’ by the local tax authority and entitled to a preferential tax rate of 10% pursuant to Circular Caishui (2012) 27 for the period from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2017 on a retrospective basis. Vipshop Internet Technology was classified as a high and new technology enterprise and entitled to a preferential tax rate of 15% pursuant to Article 28 of the EIT Law for the period from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2017. The Group evaluates the level of authority for each uncertain tax position (including the potential application of interest and penalties) based on the technical merits, and measures the unrecognized benefits associated with the tax positions. As of December 31, 2016 and 2017, the Group had no unrecognized tax benefits. The Group does not anticipate any significant increase to its liability for unrecognized tax benefit within the next 12 months. The Group will classify interest and penalties related to income tax matters, if any, in income tax expense. According to the PRC Tax Administration and Collection Law, the statute of limitations is three years if the underpayment of income taxes is due to computational errors made by the taxpayer. The statute of limitations will be extended to five years under special circumstances, which are not clearly defined, but an underpayment of income tax liability exceeding RMB100 (US$14) is specifically listed as a special circumstance. In the case of a transfer pricing related adjustment, the statute of limitations is ten years. There is no statute of limitations in the case of tax evasion, refusal to pay tax and tax fraud. Income tax expense is comprised of: Income from China operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Loss from non-China operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total income before tax and share of loss of Year ended December 31, 2015 2016 2017 RMB 2,540,418 (489,898) RMB 3,241,171 (575,087) RMB 3,320,283 (779,430) affiliates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,050,520 2,666,084 2,540,853 F-55 VIPSHOP HOLDINGS LIMITED NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) (All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated) 23. Income Taxes (Continued) Year ended December 31, 2015 RMB 2016 RMB 2017 RMB Income tax expenses applicable to China and Hong Kong operations Current tax (Note) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deferred tax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 561,001 (103,256) 689,473 (87,645) 780,013 (153,873) Total tax expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 457,745 601,828 626,140 Note: All current tax was related to income tax in PRC and Hong Kong. Under the EIT Law, enterprises are classified as either resident or non-resident. A resident enterprise refers to one that is incorporated under the PRC law or under the law of a jurisdiction outside the PRC with its ‘‘de facto management organization’’ located within the PRC. Non-residential enterprise refers to one that is incorporated under the law of a jurisdiction outside the PRC with its ‘‘de facto management organization’’ located also outside the PRC, but which has either set up institutions or establishments in the PRC or has income originating from the PRC without setting up any institution or establishments in the PRC. Under the current EIT Implementation Regulations, ‘‘de facto management organization’’ is defined as the organization of an enterprise through which substantial and comprehensive management and control over the business, operations, personnel, accounting and properties of the enterprise are exercised. Under the Enterprises Income Tax Law of the People’s Republic of China which was promulgated on March 16, 2007 and took effect as of January 1, 2008 (the ‘‘New Tax Law’’) and the New EIT Implementation Regulations, a resident enterprise’s global net income will be subject to a 25% enterprise income tax rate. Uncertainties exist with respect to how the New Tax Law and New EIT Implementation Regulations apply to the Group’s overall operations, and more specifically, with regard to tax residency status. On April 22, 2009, the State Administration of Taxation, or the SAT, issued SAT Circular 82, which provides certain specific criteria for determining whether the ‘‘de facto management body’’ of a PRC-controlled enterprise that is incorporated offshore is located in China. In addition, the SAT issued a bulletin on July 27, 2011 providing more guidance on the implementation of Circular 82 and clarifies matters such as resident status determination. Due to the present uncertainties resulting from the limited PRC tax guidance on this issue, it is unclear that the legal entities organized outside of PRC should be treated as residents for New Tax Law purposes. Nevertheless, even if one or more of its legal entities organized outside of the PRC were characterized as PRC tax residents, most of them are still in accumulated loss position and no significant impact would be expected on the net current tax payable balance and the net deferred tax balance. If the entity were to be non-resident for PRC tax purpose, dividends paid to it out of profits earned after January 1, 2008 would be subject to a withholding tax. In the case of dividends paid by PRC subsidiaries the withholding tax would be 10% and in the case of a subsidiary 25% or more directly owned by residents which meet the criteria of beneficial owner in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (‘‘Hong Kong SAR’’), the withholding tax would be 5%. F-56 VIPSHOP HOLDINGS LIMITED NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) (All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated) 23. Income Taxes (Continued) Aggregate undistributed earnings of the Group’s subsidiaries and the VIEs in the PRC that are available for distribution to the Group of approximately RMB6,993.1 million and RMB9,981.8 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2017 respectively are considered to be indefinitely reinvested under ASC 740-30, Accounting for Income Taxes—Special Areas, and accordingly, no provision has been made for the Chinese dividend withholding taxes that would be payable upon the distribution of those amounts to the Group. If those earnings were to be distributed or they were determined to be no longer permanently reinvested, the Group would have to record a deferred income tax liability in respect of those undistributed earnings of approximately RMB349.7 million and RMB499.1 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2017 respectively. A reconciliation of the income tax expense to income before income tax and share of loss of affiliates computed by applying the PRC statutory income tax rate of 25% per the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income is as follows: Income before income tax and share of loss of affiliates . . . . . . . . . Computed income tax expense at PRC EIT tax rate . . . . . . . . . . . . Effect of non-deductible expenses, including: Year ended December 31, 2015 2016 2017 RMB 2,050,520 512,630 RMB 2,666,084 666,521 RMB 2,540,853 635,213 —Share-based compensation expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . —Other non-deductible expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75,735 4,259 118,913 6,408 166,774 67,911 Effect of different tax rates of subsidiaries operating in other jurisdiction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 392 1,693 8,634 Effect of tax holidays on concessionary rates granted to PRC subsidiaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Effect of non-taxable income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Change in valuation allowance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Others . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (144,958) (7,242) 10,444 6,485 (280,523) (17,419) 105,387 848 (329,048) (30,075) 106,731 — Income tax expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 457,745 601,828 626,140 The aggregate amount and per share effect of the tax holidays and tax concessions are as follows: The aggregate effect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Per share effect: Class A and Class B ordinary share: —basic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . —diluted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Year ended December 31, 2015 2016 2017 RMB 144,958 RMB 280,523 RMB 329,048 1.25 1.21 2.42 2.23 2.80 2.62 F-57 VIPSHOP HOLDINGS LIMITED NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) (All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated) 23. Income Taxes (Continued) The principal components of deferred tax assets are as follows: Deferred tax assets: Net operating loss carry forwards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Allowance for doubtful accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Impairment for other investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inventory write-down . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Payroll payable and other accruals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deferred revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Others . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Less: valuation allowance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . As of December 31, 2016 RMB 2017 RMB 175,676 18,017 9,044 46,488 21,427 96,454 2,039 (154,330) 287,104 41,937 13,980 52,885 14,963 131,261 4,043 (261,061) Total deferred tax assets-current . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214,815 285,112 Deferred tax liability: Intangible assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100,583 Total deferred tax liability-non-current . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100,583 17,007 17,007 The amount of tax loss carried forward was RMB702,705 and RMB1,253,624 as of December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively, for the Group’s certain subsidiaries and VIEs. The Group has provided a valuation allowance for the deferred tax assets relating to the future benefit of net operating loss carry forwards and other deferred tax assets of certain subsidiaries as of December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively, as management is not able to conclude that the future realization of some of those net operating loss carry forwards and other deferred tax assets are more likely than not. 24. Earnings Per Share As of December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017, there are nil, 909,568 and 846,952 employee stock options or non-vested ordinary shares, respectively, which could potentially dilute basic net earnings per share in the future, but were excluded from the computation of diluted net earnings per share in the periods presented, as their effects would have been anti-dilutive. The effect of conversion of the convertible senior notes has been excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share for the year ended 2015 as the effect would be anti-dilutive. Basic net earnings per share is based on the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during each period. Diluted net earnings per share is based on the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding and incremental weighted average number of ordinary shares from assumed vesting of non-vested shares and exercise of share options, and conversion of the convertible senior notes during each period. F-58 VIPSHOP HOLDINGS LIMITED NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) (All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated) 24. Earnings Per Share (Continued) As economic rights and obligations are applied equally to both Class A and Class B ordinary shares, earnings are allocated between the two classes of ordinary shares evenly with the same allocation on a per share basis. Basic earnings per share and diluted earnings per share have been calculated for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017 as follows: Year ended December 31, 2015 2016 2017 Class A and Class B RMB Class A and Class B RMB Class A and Class B RMB Basic earnings per share attributable to Vipshop Holdings Limited’s ordinary shareholders: Numerator: Earnings attributable to Class A and Class B ordinary shareholders for computing basic earnings per Class A and Class B ordinary share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Denominator: Weighted average number of Class A and Class B ordinary shares outstanding for computing basic earnings per Class A and Class B ordinary share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Basic earnings per Class A and Class B 1,589,665 2,036,817 1,949,655 115,736,092 115,958,088 117,554,229 ordinary shares . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.74 17.57 16.59 F-59 VIPSHOP HOLDINGS LIMITED NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) (All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated) 24. Earnings Per Share (Continued) Diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017 are calculated as follows: Year ended December 31, 2015 2016 2017 Class A and Class B RMB Class A and Class B RMB Class A and Class B RMB Diluted earnings per share: Numerator: Earnings attributable to Class A and Class B ordinary shareholders for computing basic earnings per Class A and Class B ordinary share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Interest expenses from Convertible Senior Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net earnings attributable to Class A and Class B ordinary shareholders for computing diluted earnings per Class A and Class B ordinary share . . . . . . . . . . . . Denominator: Weighted average number of Class A and Class B ordinary shares outstanding for computing basic earnings per Class A and Class B ordinary share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dilutive employee share options and 1,589,665 2,036,817 1,949,655 — 84,147 54,673 1,589,665 2,120,964 2,004,328 115,736,092 115,958,088 117,554,229 non-vested ordinary shares . . . . . . . . . . . . Dilutive convertible senior notes . . . . . . . . . . 4,431,971 — 3,572,930 6,286,165 1,900,201 6,261,403 Weighted average number of Class A and Class B ordinary shares outstanding for computing diluted earnings per Class A and Class B ordinary share . . . . . . . . . . . . Diluted earnings per Class A and Class B 120,168,063 125,817,183 125,715,833 ordinary shares . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.23 16.86 15.94 The Company granted a number of non-vested ordinary shares to certain executive officers and employees during 2015, 2016 and 2017 (refer to Note 27 (b)), these non-vested shares are not included in the computation of basic earnings per share as these non-vested shares do not contain any unforfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents. F-60 VIPSHOP HOLDINGS LIMITED NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) (All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated) 25. Commitments and contingencies Operating Leases Agreements The Group leases office space and certain equipment under non-cancellable operating lease agreements that expire at various dates through June 2026. Those lease agreements provide for periodic rental increases based on both contractual incremental rates and inflation rates adjustments over the leased periods. Some of these lease agreements include terms of renewal ranging from one to ten years upon expiry of their respective original lease terms, without purchase options or escalation clause. If these lease agreements are not renewed, the Company is obligated to remove the facilities constructed under certain of its warehouse space lease contracts, although the Company expects such related removal costs to be not significant. During the three years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017, the Company incurred rental expenses amounting to RMB191,253, RMB248,264 and RMB493,248, respectively. As of December 31, 2017, minimum lease payments under all non-cancellable leases were as follows: Year ending December 31, 2018 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Year ending December 31, 2019 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Year ending December 31, 2020 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Year ending December 31, 2021 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Year ending December 31, 2022 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Thereafter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RMB 527,348 220,556 116,459 72,325 44,678 41,453 Total minimum lease payments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,022,819 Capital commitment As of December 31, 2017, the Group has contracted for capital expenditures of RMB2,345,658. Other commitment During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Group entered into a cooperative lending arrangement with a bank, whereby the Group and the bank will jointly fund financing to individuals. Under this arrangement, the Group is obligated to compensate the bank, if the bank’s lending portion becomes overdue by more than 80 days. The bank’s lending portion under the arrangement was approximately RMB326.0 million as of December 31, 2017. The Group is also contracted to purchase certain sevices from its business partners in an aggregate amount of US$60.0 million (approximately RMB390.4 million). Contingencies The Company and certain of the Company’s officers and directors were named as defendants in two putative securities class actions filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York: Heller v. Vipshop Holdings Limited et al., Civil Action No. 1:15-cv-03870-LTS (S.D.N.Y.)(filed on May 19, 2015) and Schwartz v. Vipshop Holdings Limited et al., Civil Action F-61 VIPSHOP HOLDINGS LIMITED NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) (All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated) 25. Commitments and contingencies (Continued) No. 1:15-cv-05097-LTS (S.D.N.Y.)(filed on June 30, 2015). The complaints in both putative class actions allege that certain of the Company’s financial statements and other public disclosures contained misstatements or omissions and assert claims under the U.S. securities laws. On September 15, 2015, the court consolidated the two actions, and appointed a lead plaintiff and approved the lead plaintiff’s selection of lead counsel for the consolidated action. On November 24, 2015, the lead plaintiff filed a Notice of Voluntary Dismissal without Prejudice which was entered by the court, voluntarily dismissing, without prejudice, all claims in the consolidated action. The Group is subject to periodic legal or administrative proceedings in the ordinary course of business. The Group does not believe that any currently pending legal proceeding to which the Group is a party will have a material effect on its business, results of operations or cash flows. 26. Related Party Transactions For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017, the Group entered into the following material related party transactions: Purchase of goods (Note a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Logistic services (Note b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other operating income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Year ended December 31, 2015 2016 2017 RMB 111,191 469,974 4,027 — RMB 155,093 137,088 1,773 1,475 RMB 213,350 — 1,825 1,001 Note a: The goods were purchased from companies either or significantly influenced by the Company, or controlled by its shareholders and directors. Note b: The Group engages certain of the Group’s affiliates to deliver the goods to its customers. In December 2017, the Group entered into strategic cooperation framework agreement and business cooperation framework agreement with a Tencent subsidiary and JD.com, respectively, to establish a cooperative relationship. Under these agreements, Tencent granted the Group an access interface on Weixin Wallet, and JD.com granted the Group access interfaces on JD.com’s mobile application and JD.com’s Weixin Discovery shopping application, to utilize the traffic from such platforms. Details of the balances of those material related party transactions provided in the table above are as follows: (a) Amounts due from related parties Amounts due from related parties consist of amounts due from companies controlled or significantly influenced by the Company, its shareholders and directors. F-62 VIPSHOP HOLDINGS LIMITED NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) (All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated) 26. Related Party Transactions (Continued) Amounts due from related parties as of December 31, 2016 and 2017 amounted to RMB8,352 and RMB10,191, respectively, mainly including prepayments placed by the Group related to purchases of goods from companies significantly influenced by the Company, its shareholders and directors. (b) Amounts due to related parties The amounts due to companies controlled or significantly influenced by the Company, its shareholders and directors as of December 31, 2016 and 2017 amounted to RMB52,729 and RMB65,022, respectively, and were unsecured and interest free. These amounts are all related to purchases of goods, logistic and other services from these parties. 27. Share-based Payments (a) Stock incentive plan In March 2011, the Company adopted the Vipshop Holdings Limited 2011 Stock Incentive Plan (the ‘‘2011 Plan’’), which provide up to an aggregate of 7,350,000 Class A ordinary shares of the Company as stock based compensation to employees, directors, officers and consultants and other eligible personal of the Group. In 2012, the Company adopted the 2012 Stock Incentive Plan (the ‘‘2012 Plan’’), which provide up to an aggregate of 9,000,000 Class A ordinary shares of the Company, and the maximum aggregate number of shares that may be issued per calendar year is 1,500,000 from 2012 until the termination of the 2012 Plan. In July 2014, the Company adopted the 2014 Stock Incentive Plan (the ‘‘2014 Plan’’), in which the maximum aggregate number of ordinary shares may be issued under the 2014 Plan is (i) 5,366,998 Class A ordinary shares, and (ii) an automatic increase on January 1 of each year after the effective date of the 2014 Plan by that number of shares representing 1.5% of the Company’s then total issued and outstanding share capital as of December 31 of the preceding year, or such less number as determined by the board of directors. During the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2016, no stock option were granted to executive officers, employees and non-employees of the Group under the 2011, 2012 and 2014 Plans. In January 2017, the Company granted 900,000 restricted shares to its senior management, and on the same date, the Company also granted 1,320,000 stock options to its senior management at an exercise price of US$68.35 (approximately RMB444.71) per ordinary share pursuant to the Company’s 2014 Share Incentive plan. In the event of termination of the option holders’ continuous service for cause, the option holders’ right to exercise the option shall terminate concurrently, except otherwise determined by the plan administrator, and the Company shall have the rights to repurchase all vested options purchased by the option holders at a discount price determined by the plan administrator. The stock option holders have waived any voting rights with regard to the shares and granted a power of attorney to the Board of Directors of the Company to exercise voting rights with respect to the shares. F-63 VIPSHOP HOLDINGS LIMITED NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) (All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated) 27. Share-based Payments (Continued) The Company uses the Binomial model to determine the estimated fair value for each option granted below with the assistance of an independent valuation firm. The Group estimates that the forfeiture rate for key management and employees will be nil and 13% for both 2015 and 2016, respectively, and nil and 18% for 2017, respectively. The assumptions used in determining the fair value of the share options on the grant date were as follows: Assumptions Expected dividend yield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Risk-free interest rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Expected volatility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Expected life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Exercise multiples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Weighted average fair value of underlying ordinary shares (US$/share) . . Notes: (1) Expected dividend yield: 2017 0% 1.96% 61.0% 5 years 2.80 times 25.09 The expected dividend yield was estimated by the Company based on its dividend policy over the expected life of the options. (2) Risk-free interest rate: Risk-free interest rate was estimated based on the US Treasury Bond as of the valuation date. (3) Expected volatility: The volatility of the underlying ordinary shares was estimated based on historical volatility of the Company for the period before the valuation date with length commensurate to contractual life of the options. (4) Expected life: The expected life was the contractual life of the share options. (5) Exercise multiples: The Company estimated the exercise multiple based on a consideration of various research studies regarding exercise pattern from historical statistical data. (6) Fair value of underlying ordinary shares: After the Company’s initial public offering in March 2012, the fair values of ordinary shares were determined based on the closing price in the market. F-64 VIPSHOP HOLDINGS LIMITED NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) (All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated) 27. Share-based Payments (Continued) For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017, the share option movements were as follows: Weighted average exercise price per share Weighted average remaining contractual years to expiry per share Weighted average fair value at grant date Weighted average intrinsic value per option Aggregate intrinsic value Options outstanding US$ US$ US$ As of January 1, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . Exercised . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Forfeited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,404,909 (956,587) (11,451) Outstanding as of December 31, 2015 . 2,436,871 Exercised . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Forfeited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (560,930) (3,000) Outstanding as of December 31, 2016 . 1,872,941 Granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Exercised . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,320,000 (454,708) Outstanding as of December 31, 2017 . 2,738,233 US$ 1.26 1.04 2.29 1.33 1.53 2.50 0.78 68.35 1.95 33.50 6.77 years 5.45 years 5.96 years 5.89 years 4.61 years 4.92 years 4.97 years 4.00 years 3.75 years 4.14 years Non vested as of December 31, 2017 . Options vested and expected to vest as of December 31, 2017 . . . . . . . . . . Exercisable as of December 31, 2017 . 1,320,000 2,738,233 1,418,233 33.50 1.06 4.14 years 4.27 years 14.37 4.39 25.10 57.54 68,736,869 81,606,856 For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017, the Group recognized share based compensation expenses of RMB23,366 RMB7,002 and RMB54,505 in connection with the share options granted to employees, respectively. The total fair value of shares vested during 2016 and 2017 was RMB7,621 and RMB236 respectively. As of December 31, 2017, there was RMB162,949 unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested share options granted to executive and employees of the Group. The unvested share options expense relating to the stock options of the Group is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 3 years on a straight-line basis schedule as of December 31, 2017. (b) Non-vested shares During 2015, 2016 and 2017, a total of 951,684, 1,815,919 and 2,900,580 non-vested shares were granted to executive officers, employees, members of Audit Committee and consultants of the Group under the 2012 and 2014 Plan, respectively. F-65 VIPSHOP HOLDINGS LIMITED NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) (All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated) 27. Share-based Payments (Continued) Most of the non-vested shares granted have a vesting period of four years of employment services with the first one-fourth vesting on the first anniversary from grant date, and the remaining three fourth vesting on a monthly basis over a three-year period ending on the fourth anniversary of the grant date. The non-vested shares are not transferable and may not be sold or pledged and the holder has no voting or dividend right on the non-vested shares. In the event a non-vested shareholder’s employment for the Company is terminated for any reason prior to the fourth anniversary of the grant date, the holder’s right to the non-vested shares will terminate effectively. The outstanding non-vested shares shall be forfeited and automatically transferred to and reacquired by the Company without any consideration. For the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017, the non-vested shares movement was as follows: Outstanding as of January 1, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vested . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Forfeited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Outstanding as of December 31, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vested . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Forfeited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Non-vested shares outstanding 2,094,709 1,815,919 (1,119,032) (371,731) 2,419,865 2,900,580 (925,623) (464,564) Outstanding as of December 31, 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,930,258 The Group recognized compensation expense over the four year service periods on a straight line basis, and applied a forfeiture rate of nil for key management for 2015, 2016 and 2017, while the forfeiture rate is 13%, 13% and 18% for employees for 2015, 2016 and 2017, respectively. The aggregate fair value of the non-vested shares at grant dates was RMB657,794, RMB824,474 and RMB1,082,797 during 2015, 2016 and 2017 respectively. The fair values of non-vested shares are measured at the respective fair values of the Company’s ordinary shares on the grant-dates. For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017, the Group recognized share based compensation expenses of RMB279,575, RMB468,651 and RMB612,593 in connection with the non-vested shares granted to employees, respectively. As of December 31, 2017 there was RMB1,432,463 unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested shares which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average vesting period of 2.72 years. The weighted average granted fair value per share of non-vested shares granted during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017 was US$109.00 (approximately RMB706.08), US$67.66 (approximately RMB469.76) and US$55.51 (approximately RMB361.18) respectively. F-66 VIPSHOP HOLDINGS LIMITED NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) (All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated) 27. Share-based Payments (Continued) (c) Share-based compensation expenses For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017, share-based compensation expenses have been included in the following balances on the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income: Fulfillment expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marketing expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Technology and content expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . General and administrative expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . Year ended December 31, 2015 2016 2017 RMB (18,665) (19,938) (126,274) (138,064) RMB (38,428) (38,459) (183,122) (215,644) RMB (73,235) (40,364) (206,073) (347,426) (302,941) (475,653) (667,098) 28. Segment information Segment revenue and results The Group has determined that it operates in two operating segments: (1) Vip.com, (2) Internet finance business. The Group derives the results of the segments directly from its internal management reporting system. The CODM measures the performance of each segment based on metrics of revenue and income (loss) from operations and uses these results to evaluate the performance of, and to allocate resources to, each of the segments. F-67 VIPSHOP HOLDINGS LIMITED NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) (All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated) 28. Segment information (Continued) Segment revenue and results The table below provides a summary of the Group’s operating segment results for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017: Year ended December 31, 2015 RMB 2016 RMB 2017 RMB Net revenues Vip.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Internet finance business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inter-segment revenues(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40,141,216 61,996 — 56,552,877 114,735 (76,310) 72,817,634 249,726 (155,047) Total net revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40,203,212 56,591,302 72,912,313 Income (loss) from operations Vip.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Internet finance business(2) . . . . . . . . . . . . Unallocated expenses(3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total income from operations . . . . . . . . . . . . Total other expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Income before income taxes and share of loss of affiliates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,632,643 5,689 (567,783) 2,070,549 (20,029) 3,665,649 (172,750) (785,190) 2,707,709 (41,625) 4,063,238 (366,025) (1,006,767) 2,690,446 (149,593) 2,050,520 2,666,084 2,540,853 F-68 VIPSHOP HOLDINGS LIMITED NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) (All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated) 28. Segment information (Continued) Depreciation of property and equipment, net (included in the measurement of segment profit or loss): Vip.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Internet finance business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Year ended December 31, 2015 2016 2017 RMB 291,055 346 RMB 610,293 683 RMB 714,656 6,184 Total depreciation of property and equipment, net . . . . 291,401 610,976 720,840 (1) (2) (3) Inter-segment revenues mainly consist of payment processing and financing services provided by the Internet finance business to Vip.com. The operating loss of the Internet finance business includes the interest revenue of RMB15,525, RMB45,969 and RMB161,752 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017, respectively, and interest expense of nil, RMB29, 426 and RMB121,793 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017, respectively. Unallocated expenses include share-based compensation and amortization of intangible assets resulting from assets and business acquisitions, which are not allocated to segments. Segment assets Vip.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Internet finance business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Year ended December 31, 2016 2017 RMB 20,058,967 5,035,486 RMB 30,158,119 7,824,701 Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25,094,453 37,982,820 Other segment information Product revenues relate to sales of apparel, shoes and bags and other products. F-69 VIPSHOP HOLDINGS LIMITED NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) (All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated) 28. Segment information (Continued) Other revenues relate to revenues from product promotion and online advertising, and commission fees charged to third-party merchants which the Company provides platform access for sales of their product, and revenues from logistic and warehouse services provided to vendors of the Group. Product revenues Apparel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shoes and bags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cosmetics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sportswear and sporting goods . . . . . . . . . . . . Home goods and other lifestyle products . . . . Toys, kids and baby . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other goods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Year ended December 31, 2015 RMB 2016 RMB 2017 RMB 13,887,533 5,439,785 5,191,552 2,656,546 2,941,734 4,609,484 4,683,327 20,381,929 7,734,909 7,574,423 3,518,007 6,622,624 5,535,834 3,914,174 24,642,418 8,340,015 10,607,267 4,747,077 9,875,682 6,978,246 5,980,948 39,409,961 793,251 55,281,900 1,309,402 71,171,653 1,740,660 Total net revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40,203,212 56,591,302 72,912,313 Geographic information Substantially all revenues and long-lived assets of Group are derived from and located in the PRC. 29. Subsequent event On March 30, 2018, the Company has entered into definitive agreements and committed to invest up to US$250 million (approximately RMB1,626,575) into a private equity fund with consumer goods and supply chain as one of its key investment areas. The closing of this investment will be subject to regulatory approval and customary conditions. F-70 VIPSHOP HOLDINGS LIMITED Schedule I—Condensed Financial Information Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income (All amounts in thousands) General and administrative expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other operating income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Loss from operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Interest expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Share of loss of affiliates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Impairment loss of investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Equity income of subsidiaries and VIEs . . . . . . . . . . . . . Year ended December 31, 2015 2016 2017 2017 RMB (336,783) — (336,783) (84,467) (80,422) (68,648) 2,159,985 RMB (490,939) — (490,939) (84,148) (65,492) — 2,677,396 RMB (696,832) 77,513 US$ (107,101) 11,914 (619,319) (54,665) (21,319) — 2,644,958 (95,187) (8,402) (3,277) — 406,524 Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,589,665 2,036,817 1,949,655 299,658 Other comprehensive income, net of tax of nil: Foreign currency translation adjustments . . . . . . . . . . Share of comprehensive (loss)/income of subsidiaries . . (52,487) (7,783) (292,152) 19,525 342,348 (22,982) 52,618 (3,532) Comprehensive income attributable to Vipshop Holdings Limited’s shareholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,529,395 1,764,190 2,269,021 348,744 F-71 VIPSHOP HOLDINGS LIMITED Schedule I—Condensed Financial Information Balance Sheets (All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data) ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Investment in an affiliate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Available-for-sale investments Investment in subsidiaries and VIEs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amount due from subsidiaries and VIEs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . As of December 31, 2016 RMB 2017 RMB 2017 US$ 952 71,908 794 6,448,966 3,654,162 327,314 46,630 — 9,093,924 8,941,899 50,307 7,167 — 1,397,711 1,374,345 TOTAL ASSETS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10,176,782 18,409,767 2,829,530 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Accrued expenses and other current liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Convertible senior notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deferred income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18,529 4,381,698 44,375 20,345 4,094,903 — Total liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,444,602 4,115,248 3,127 629,375 — 632,502 EQUITY Class A ordinary shares (US$0.0001 par value, 483,489,642 shares authorized, and 101,508,264 and 114,716,587 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively) . . Class B ordinary shares (US$0.0001 par value, 16,510,358 shares authorized, and 16,510,358 and 16,510,358 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively) . . Treasury stock, at cost (1,356,918 and nil Class A shares as of December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Additional paid-in capital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Retained earnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Accumulated other comprehensive loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 11 74 11 11 2 (707,441) 3,130,126 3,653,026 (343,608) — 8,715,995 5,602,681 (24,242) — 1,339,624 861,116 (3,725) Total shareholders’ equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5,732,180 14,294,519 2,197,028 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY . . . . 10,176,782 18,409,767 2,829,530 F-72 VIPSHOP HOLDINGS LIMITED Schedule I—Condensed Financial Information STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (All amounts in thousands) Cash flow from operating activities: Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash by operating activities: Equity income of subsidiaries and variable interest entities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Share of loss of affiliates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Impairment loss of investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Share-based compensation expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . Amortization of debt issuance cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Year ended December 31, 2015 RMB 2016 RMB 2017 RMB 2017 US$ 1,589,665 2,036,817 1,949,655 299,658 (2,159,985) 80,422 68,648 302,941 33,453 (2,677,396) 65,492 — 475,653 35,824 (2,644,958) 21,319 — 667,098 5,950 (406,524) 3,277 — 102,531 914 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities . . . . . Deferred income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (8,081) 8,686 23,924 35,688 53,870 (44,109) Net cash (used in) generated from operating activities (84,251) (3,998) 8,825 8,280 (6,779) 1,357 Cash flows from investing activities: Investment in affiliates and VIEs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Investment in available-for-sale investments . . . . . . Amounts due (from) to subsidiaries and VIEs . . . . . (335,974) (38,406) 993,135 — — 192,523 — — (5,277,028) — — (811,064) Net cash (provided by) used in investing activities . . . 618,755 192,523 (5,277,028) (811,064) Cash flows from financing activities: Repurchase of ordinary shares . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Proceeds from issuance of ordinary shares upon exercise of stock options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Partial redemption of convertible senior notes . . . . . Proceeds from issuance of ordinary shares to new investors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (650,197) (193,619) — — 6,323 — — 5,747 — 5,969 (21,697) 917 (3,335) — 5,610,337 862,293 Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities . . . (643,874) (187,872) 5,594,609 859,875 Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108,650 Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents . Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period . Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period . . . . . (720) 975 255 44 697 255 952 (44) (7) 326,362 952 327,314 50,161 146 50,307 F-73 VIPSHOP HOLDINGS LIMITED NOTE TO SCHEDULE I (All amounts in thousands, except for share or per share data) Schedule I has been provided pursuant to the requirement of Rule 12-04(a) and 4-08(e)(3) of Regulation S-X, which require condensed financial information as to financial position, cash flows and results of operations of a parent company as of the same dates and for the same periods for which audited consolidated financial statements have been presented when the restricted net assets of the consolidated and unconsolidated subsidiaries together exceed 25 percent of consolidated net assets as of end of the most recently completed fiscal year. As of December 31, 2017, RMB6,112,334 of the restricted capital and reserves are not available for distribution respectively, and as such, the condensed financial information of Vipshop Holdings Limited (‘‘Parent Company’’) has been presented. Relevant PRC laws and regulations also restrict the subsidiaries in PRC, the VIEs and VIEs’ subsidiaries from transferring a portion of their net assets to the Company in the form of loans and advances or cash dividends. No dividends have been paid by the subsidiaries in the PRC of the Company or the VIEs to the Company during the periods presented. Total restricted net assets of the Group represent net assets of the subsidiaries in the PRC, the VIEs and VIE’s subsidiaries. The balance of restricted net assets was RMB4,278,531 and RMB6,112,334 of which RMB829,500 and RMB2,039,500 was attributed to the net assets of the VIEs and VIEs’ subsidiaries, and RMB1,128,029 and RMB1,128,029 was attributed to the paid in capital of the WFOE, as of December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively. During each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017, no cash dividend was declared and paid by the Parent Company. As of December 31, 2017, there were no material contingencies, significant provisions of long-term obligations, and mandatory dividend or redemption requirements of redeemable shares or guarantees of the Company, except for those which have been separately disclosed in the Consolidated Financial Statement, if any. Basis of preparation The condensed financial information of the Parent Company has been prepared using the same accounting policies as set out in its consolidated financial statements, except that the Parent Company has used the equity method to account for its investment in its subsidiaries, VIEs and VIEs’ subsidiaries. Accordingly, the condensed financial information presented herein represents the financial information of the Parent Company. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted. The footnote discloses certain supplemental information relating to the operations of the Company and, as such, these statements should be read in conjunction with the notes to the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements. F-74 

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