HTSC·2025-09-22 02:33Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for the express delivery sector, specifically recommending Shentong Express, YTO Express, ZTO Express, and Yunda Express [6][20][22]. Core Viewpoints - The report highlights a rebound in the express delivery sector driven by price increases and seasonal demand, with expectations for significant profit elasticity in the second half of 2025 [1][3]. - Despite August being a traditional off-peak season, the industry is experiencing improved sentiment due to anti-involution measures, which are expected to sustain price increases through the end of the year [1][3]. - The report anticipates that the normalization of social security and the development of industry regulations will elevate valuation levels in the medium to long term [1]. Summary by Sections Industry Performance - In August, the total retail sales growth slowed to +3.4% year-on-year, with online retail sales growing at +7.1%, indicating stronger online performance compared to offline [2]. - The express delivery volume in August increased by +12.3% year-on-year, but the growth rate has slowed compared to previous months [2][3]. Price Trends - The average price per delivery piece in August was 7.37 RMB, showing a slight month-on-month increase but a year-on-year decrease of -7.2% [2][3]. - Price increases have been implemented in over 75% of regions, with expectations for continued price recovery in September [2][3]. Company Recommendations - Shentong Express and YTO Express are the top picks, followed by ZTO Express and Yunda Express, with a specific mention of Jitu Express benefiting from high growth in overseas markets [1][3][6]. - The report emphasizes that Shentong Express has shown the best balance of volume and price, leading to the fastest revenue growth in August [3]. Financial Projections - The report projects that the express delivery sector will see a significant rebound in profitability due to ongoing price increases and the impact of anti-involution policies [3][21]. - Specific financial forecasts for companies include adjustments to net profit estimates for the years 2025-2027, reflecting the competitive landscape and pricing strategies [21][23].