• In the first quarter of 2026, RLX Technology Inc. reported sales of CNY 1,585.82 million and net income of CNY 284.14 million, with both basic and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations rising compared with the same period in 2025.
• The simultaneous growth in revenue and earnings per share suggests RLX is scaling its e‑vapor business while maintaining profitability, a key consideration in an industry facing heavy regulatory and competitive pressures.
• Next, we will examine how this stronger first-quarter revenue performance may influence RLX Technology's investment narrative and long-term outlook.

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RLX Technology Investment Narrative Recap

To own RLX Technology, you need to believe its e vapor and broader nicotine portfolio can grow within tighter regulation while staying profit focused. The latest quarter’s jump in sales and earnings per share supports that profitability story in the near term, but it does not remove the central risk that shifting Chinese and global policies, along with a still large illegal market, could weigh on RLX’s ability to grow its compliant share.

Among recent announcements, the multi year share buyback program, with 170,000,000 shares repurchased for about US$330,000,000 and an extension through 2027, is most relevant here. It underlines management’s willingness to return capital even as it invests for international expansion, which ties directly into the main catalyst of gaining share in regulated markets while trying to offset concentration and regulatory risks in China.

Yet, behind these stronger numbers, there is still a critical regulatory risk that investors should be aware of...

RLX Technology's narrative projects CN¥7.8 billion revenue and CN¥1.4 billion earnings by 2029.

Uncover how RLX Technology's forecasts yield a $3.14 fair value, a 52% upside to its current price.

Exploring Other Perspectives

The lowest analyst estimates paint a far more cautious picture, even before this Q1 beat, with revenue growth to CN¥7.6 billion and earnings at CN¥1.5 billion seen as harder won than the consensus suggests, especially if regulatory tightening and slower international traction limit the benefits of RLX’s recent buybacks and expanding margins.

Explore 2 other fair value estimates on RLX Technology - why the stock might be worth as much as 52% more than the current price!

Decide For Yourself

Disagree with existing narratives? Extraordinary investment returns rarely come from following the herd, so go with your instincts.

• A great starting point for your RLX Technology research is our analysis highlighting 4 key rewards and 1 important warning sign that could impact your investment decision.
• Our free RLX Technology research report provides a comprehensive fundamental analysis summarized in a single visual - the Snowflake - making it easy to evaluate RLX Technology's overall financial health at a glance.

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This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.