3 6 Ke·2025-10-31 00:42Core Viewpoint - The takeaway from the article is that the food delivery industry, after ten years of development, is facing intense competition and challenges, particularly for Meituan, which is attempting to navigate a saturated market while maintaining its competitive edge through various strategies [2][12]. Industry Overview - The food delivery industry has evolved over the past decade, transitioning from a phase of rapid growth to one characterized by intense competition and market saturation [4][12]. - The emergence of a "three-legged" competitive landscape, with Meituan, Ele.me, and JD.com as key players, has led to a significant shift in market dynamics [4][12]. Company Performance - Meituan recently set a record with a $3 billion bond issuance, aiming to sell approximately $2 billion in U.S. dollar notes and an equivalent of $1 billion in offshore RMB notes [2][3]. - In Q2 2025, Meituan's revenue increased by 11.7% year-on-year to RMB 91.8 billion, but its core local business operating profit dropped significantly to RMB 3.7 billion due to fierce competition [6]. - The adjusted EBITDA and net profit for Meituan fell by 81.5% and 89% respectively, indicating substantial financial pressure [6]. Competitive Landscape - Meituan and Ele.me have historically dominated over 90% of the market share, but the entry of JD.com and the rise of Taobao's flash purchase service have intensified competition [5][12]. - The market share is expected to stabilize at a ratio of 4.5:4.5:1 among Alibaba, Meituan, and JD.com, reflecting a contraction in Meituan's profitability [5][12]. Strategic Initiatives - In response to market pressures, Meituan is focusing on technology upgrades to enhance delivery efficiency and exploring new growth areas through diversified services [9][11]. - The company is implementing a "30-minute delivery" upgrade plan and investing in smart delivery systems, including drone technology, to improve operational efficiency [9][11]. - Meituan is also transitioning from a single food delivery platform to a comprehensive instant retail platform, expanding its service offerings beyond just food [11]. Future Outlook - The article suggests that the current "three-legged" competitive structure is unlikely to change in the short term, with a focus on differentiated competition becoming essential for survival [12][13]. - The future of the food delivery industry is expected to be characterized by a multi-faceted competitive landscape, where the emphasis shifts from scale expansion to value creation [13].