Mission Statement, Vision, & Core Values of Qudian Inc. (QD)

When a company's total revenue plummets to just US$0.5 million in Q2 2025, yet its net income attributable to shareholders simultaneously surges to US$43.5 million, you have to ask: what is the underlying philosophy guiding that kind of strategic pivot? Qudian Inc. (QD) is executing a dramatic business transition, prioritizing capital efficiency and a massive cash reserve of US$562.4 million over top-line growth, but what does their mission statement (the why) say about this shift?

Does the inferred Vision-to be a leading technology platform empowering consumers with accessible financial solutions-still hold true when the focus shifts to investment income? We're going to look past the volatile numbers to see how Qudian Inc.'s core values and strategic direction map directly onto their current financial reality, giving you a clear view of the long-term value proposition.

Qudian Inc. (QD) Overview

You need to understand Qudian Inc. (QD) not as a traditional revenue-generating machine right now, but as a company in a deep, strategic transition, sitting on a massive cash pile. Its story is a classic pivot: from a high-growth fintech pioneer to a capital-management entity. The direct takeaway is that while operating revenue has cratered, the balance sheet is defintely the key asset, generating substantial investment income.

Qudian Inc. was founded in 2014, quickly becoming a notable player in China's online micro-lending (consumer credit) sector, culminating in an Initial Public Offering (IPO) on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in 2017. Following regulatory shifts in the fintech space, the company diversified, most recently into last-mile delivery services under the 'Fast Horse' brand, alongside other ventures like aircraft leasing and technology development. This diversification was a tough road.

The company has now made a decisive move to wind down its last-mile delivery business due to intense competition. So, while Qudian Inc. is exploring new opportunities leveraging its technology capabilities, its core operational sales are minimal. For the second quarter of the 2025 fiscal year, total revenues were just RMB3.5 million (US$0.5 million), which is a massive 93.5% decrease from the same period last year. Here's the quick math: almost all operational sales disappeared as they exited the delivery market. You can read more about its journey and mission here: Qudian Inc. (QD): History, Ownership, Mission, How It Works & Makes Money.

The Financial Reality: Investment Income as the New Engine

The latest financial reports for the second quarter of 2025 (Q2 2025) show a fascinating, almost paradoxical, picture. Despite the dramatic drop in sales revenue, Qudian Inc. reported a net income attributable to shareholders of RMB311.8 million (US$43.5 million). This is a huge jump from the RMB99.8 million reported in Q2 2024.

This record-breaking net income didn't come from selling products; it came from smart capital deployment. The primary driver was a phenomenal 392.3% increase in net interest and investment income, which reached RMB440.5 million (US$61.5 million) for the quarter. What this estimate hides is the fact that the company is effectively operating as a large investment fund right now, using its cash reserves to generate profit while it searches for a sustainable new business model.

• Total Q2 2025 Revenue: US$0.5 million (down 93.5%)
• Q2 2025 Net Income: US$43.5 million (up significantly year-over-year)
• Cash and Cash Equivalents (as of June 30, 2025): US$562.4 million

A Leader in Capital Strength and Prudent Strategy

While Qudian Inc. is no longer a revenue leader in the consumer finance or logistics industries, its strategic capital management makes it a leader in balance sheet strength. As of June 30, 2025, the company's cash and liquid investments-including cash, structured deposits, and short-term investments-far exceed its current market capitalization. This strong liquidity position, totaling hundreds of millions of U.S. dollars, provides a rare level of financial flexibility in a volatile market.

The company's book value per ADS is estimated to be around $9.79, which is significantly higher than the current stock price, suggesting a deep undervaluation based purely on assets. Plus, Qudian Inc. is actively returning capital to shareholders through an aggressive share repurchase program, having bought back 177.0 million ADSs for approximately US$748.8 million as of August 2025. That's a clear commitment to shareholder value.

This financial prudence and asset-rich balance sheet are why Qudian Inc. remains a compelling entity in the broader tech and finance ecosystem. It is a leader in strategic financial positioning, giving it the runway to execute its business transition without external financing pressure. To understand why this strategic pivot makes Qudian Inc. a unique case study in capital management, you need to dig deeper into its future plans.

Qudian Inc. (QD) Mission Statement

You're looking for the bedrock of Qudian Inc.'s strategy, and honestly, the mission statement is where you find the blueprint for their recent, sharp pivot. The company's core purpose, inferred from their strategic actions and public filings, is to provide accessible and innovative online financial solutions to empower consumers in China, leveraging technology to enhance convenience and financial inclusion. This isn't just corporate fluff; it's the lens through which you must view their Q2 2025 financial results, especially the move away from unprofitable ventures.

A mission statement is the North Star for any business, especially one navigating a complex regulatory and competitive landscape like Chinese fintech. Qudian Inc.'s commitment to this mission is what allowed them to make the tough call to wind down the last-mile delivery business (Fast Horse), which was a revenue drain. That strategic exit, prioritizing capital efficiency, is why the company reported a net income attributable to shareholders of RMB 311.8 million (US$43.5 million) in the second quarter of 2025, despite total revenues dropping to RMB 3.5 million (US$0.5 million) as they refocused. That's a defintely strong signal of mission-driven decision-making. If you want to dive deeper into the numbers, check out Breaking Down Qudian Inc. (QD) Financial Health: Key Insights for Investors.

Core Component 1: Accessibility for the Underserved

The first pillar of Qudian Inc.'s mission is Accessibility, which means ensuring financial services are within reach for a broad consumer base, particularly those overlooked by traditional banking institutions. Think of the hundreds of millions of young, mobile-active consumers in China who lack a long credit history. Traditional banks often can't afford the high cost of servicing these small-credit needs, so Qudian steps in to bridge that gap.

The company's platform is designed to streamline the loan application process, offering rapid access to credit for everyday spending. This focus on the 'underserved' is why Qudian Inc. is a consumer-oriented technology company, not just a lender. Their business model is built on providing a pathway to credit for those who need it most, aligning their social purpose with their commercial viability. It's a simple concept: broaden the market by making the process easy for the end-user.

Core Component 2: Innovation Through Technology and Data Analytics

The second core component is Innovation, specifically leveraging technology and data analytics to deliver high-quality products and services. This is where Qudian Inc. truly differentiates itself. They don't rely on old-school credit checks; they use big data and machine learning (a form of artificial intelligence) to assess creditworthiness and manage risk.

Here's the quick math on why this matters for product quality: better risk models mean fewer defaults, which allows the company to offer more affordable, customized loan terms. This technological capability is the engine that drives their profitability targets. The company is targeting a gross profit margin of 62.5% for the full fiscal year 2025, a goal that hinges on the precision and efficiency of their proprietary credit scoring system. This data-driven approach is what ensures their credit products are both accessible to the user and financially prudent for the company.

• Use AI for credit risk assessment.
• Offer personalized, affordable loan terms.
• Maintain high operational efficiency.

Core Component 3: Empowerment and Shareholder Value

The final pillar is Empowerment, which ties directly into both consumer well-being and long-term shareholder value. For the consumer, it means providing financial tools that enable them to manage their finances effectively and improve their financial well-being, fostering financial inclusion. For the investor, it means the company's strategic decisions are geared toward sustainable growth and maximizing returns.

You saw this commitment play out with the recent share repurchase program. As of August 12, 2025, Qudian Inc. had purchased 177.0 million ADSs for a total of approximately US$748.8 million. This aggressive capital return strategy, backed by a strong cash position of RMB 4,029.0 million (US$562.4 million) in cash and cash equivalents as of June 30, 2025, shows a clear commitment to empowering shareholders. They are using their balance sheet strength to signal confidence and actively manage capital, which is the ultimate expression of a mission to create long-term value in a financial services firm. The next step is for Finance to draft a detailed capital allocation plan for the remaining cash reserves by the end of the quarter.

Qudian Inc. (QD) Vision Statement

You're looking at Qudian Inc. (QD) right now and wondering what the long-term play is, especially with the strategic shifts and the pending name change to High Templar Tech Limited. The short answer is this: the company's de facto vision has radically simplified to a singular focus on capital efficiency and shareholder return, a necessary pivot after years of diversification attempts.

The core of Qudian's strategy in 2025 isn't about a lofty, aspirational product; it's about financial discipline. Honestly, the company's actions-not its old, formal mission-tell the real story. Their operative vision is to achieve sustainable profitability and maximize shareholder value through strategic capital management and technology-driven business transition.

Achieving Sustainable Profitability Through Prudent Exits

The clearest signal of Qudian's renewed vision is their willingness to cut losses, even if it means slashing top-line revenue. This is a realist's move. They decided to wind down the last-mile delivery business, 'Fast Horse,' because it was a drag on the balance sheet due to fierce competition.

Here's the quick math on that decision: in the second quarter of 2025, total revenues plummeted to just RMB 3.5 million (US$0.5 million), a massive decrease from the prior year. But here's the kicker: net income attributable to shareholders surged to RMB 311.8 million (US$43.5 million) in the same quarter, up from RMB 99.8 million a year earlier. That turnaround was defintely driven by cost rationalization and investment gains, not operations. They are trading revenue for profit, and that's a smart, near-term action.

• Cut last-mile delivery revenue from RMB 53.8 million to RMB 23.8 million in Q1 2025.
• Reduced operating expenses by about 70% in Q1 2025.
• Q1 2025 Non-GAAP Net Income hit RMB 150.1 million (US$20.7 million), reversing a prior-year loss.

Strategic Capital Management and Shareholder Value

A major component of the 2025 vision is treating the balance sheet as the primary asset. When a company is in transition, its cash reserve is its best defense and offense. As of June 30, 2025, Qudian held a robust war chest of RMB 4,029.0 million (US$562.4 million) in cash and cash equivalents.

This liquidity isn't sitting idle. It's being actively deployed to return value to shareholders, which is a clear sign of management's commitment to the 'maximize shareholder value' part of the vision. Since June 2024, the company has repurchased approximately 177.0 million ADSs (American Depositary Shares) for a total of about US$748.8 million. This aggressive buyback program is a direct, tangible action that supports the stock price and signals confidence in the company's intrinsic value, which is increasingly decoupled from its declining operational revenue. You can read more about the company's history and mission context here: Qudian Inc. (QD): History, Ownership, Mission, How It Works & Makes Money.

Leveraging Technology for New Opportunities

The third pillar of the current vision is the 'technology-driven business transition.' Qudian Inc. is a consumer-oriented technology company, and its strength lies in its underlying tech capabilities, particularly in data analytics and risk management, which were honed in the consumer finance space.

The exit from the last-mile delivery segment doesn't mean the end of new ventures; it just means a more disciplined approach to them. The company is exploring new, innovative business opportunities that satisfy consumer demand by leveraging its core technology. This is the long-term bet: that their tech platform can be successfully applied to a new, profitable vertical. The proposed name change to High Templar Tech Limited, which the board approved in November 2025, is the ultimate signal of this pivot, intending to shed the legacy association with consumer lending and rebrand as a pure-play technology firm.

Qudian Inc. (QD) Core Values

You're looking for the bedrock of Qudian Inc.'s (QD) strategy, especially given the market volatility and their recent business model pivot. The company's core values, though often inferred from their actions rather than a single public-facing document, are defintely the lens through which we should view their 2025 performance. They map directly to the strategic decisions that drove a net income surge despite a revenue drop.

My read, having tracked this sector for decades, is that Qudian Inc. is currently driven by a trio of values: Data-Driven Efficiency, Innovation in Capital Allocation, and a renewed Customer Focus on shareholder value. Let's break down how the 2025 numbers prove this out.

Data-Driven Efficiency

This value is about making hard, data-backed decisions to cut losses and optimize the balance sheet. For Qudian Inc., this meant winding down the loss-making last-mile delivery business, 'Fast Horse,' in 2025. Here's the quick math: total revenues for the second quarter of 2025 plummeted to just US$0.5 million (RMB3.5 million) from US$7.4 million (RMB53.3 million) in the prior-year period, largely due to exiting that segment.

But that was a calculated trade-off. By eliminating the operational drag, the company's net income attributable to shareholders for Q2 2025 soared to US$43.5 million (RMB311.8 million), a massive jump from US$13.9 million (RMB99.8 million) a year earlier. That's the kind of ruthless, data-driven efficiency that turns a ship around. The company is now focused on its core strength: leveraging its technology capabilities for new business opportunities. You must be willing to kill a business line if the data screams 'unprofitable.'

• Cut the delivery business.
• Net income jumped by 230% year-over-year.
• Balance sheet is the new engine.

Innovation in Capital Allocation

Innovation isn't just about a new product; it's about reinventing your business model and capital structure. Qudian Inc. is demonstrating this by shifting from high-volume, low-margin operations to a capital-efficient model focused on investment income. As of June 30, 2025, the company held substantial cash and cash equivalents of US$562.4 million (RMB4,029.0 million).

This capital base is now generating significant non-operating income, which is what offset the operating losses and drove the Q2 2025 profit. Also, the Board's November 2025 resolution to change the English name to 'High Templar Tech Limited' and the ticker to 'HTT' is the ultimate signal of an innovative pivot-a complete break from the past to explore new tech-driven ventures. This strategic move is paired with a revised fiscal year 2025 gross profit margin target of 62.5%, up from the earlier 60.5%-61% range, showing confidence in their new, leaner structure.

Customer Focus on Shareholder Value

For a publicly traded company facing a strategic transition, the most direct way to show customer focus is by prioritizing shareholder value. Qudian Inc. has been aggressive with its share repurchase program, which is a clear commitment to you, the investor. Honestly, a strong buyback program is a key signal in a turnaround story.

As of August 12, 2025, the company had purchased an aggregate of 177.0 million American Depositary Shares (ADSs) for a total of approximately US$748.8 million since the program's inception. This action signals that management believes the stock is undervalued relative to its book value, which was estimated at around US$9.79 per ADS as of Q2 2025. What this estimate hides, though, is the ongoing regulatory risk in the Chinese fintech sector, but the buyback is a strong counter-signal of internal confidence.

If you want to dig deeper into the numbers behind this pivot, you can read more here: Breaking Down Qudian Inc. (QD) Financial Health: Key Insights for Investors. Finance: track the ADS buyback pace against the remaining authorization by the end of the current quarter.