第一财经·2025-12-28 06:25Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the challenges faced by consumers using SF Express's new prepaid card, which offers a 4% recharge benefit but has complex rules that make it difficult to utilize the bonus funds effectively. This situation reflects the ongoing price war in the express delivery industry, which has pressured the profitability of SF Holding [3][5][12]. Group 1: Consumer Experience with Bonus Funds - Many consumers report that the bonus funds from the SF Express prepaid card remain unused due to complicated rules that restrict their usage [5][6]. - Users must adhere to a 9:1 ratio when using bonus funds alongside principal funds, and specific conditions must be met for bonus funds to be used independently [8][9]. - The complexity of these rules has led to the emergence of a gray market where intermediaries buy back unused bonus funds at a significant discount [11][12]. Group 2: Financial Performance and Market Position - SF Holding's gross profit margin has declined from 20% in 2017 to 13% in Q3 2025, indicating increasing pressure on profitability [12][15]. - In Q3 2025, the company reported a total business volume of 12.15 billion packages, a year-on-year increase of 28.3%, but revenue growth did not translate into profit growth, highlighting a "revenue without profit" dilemma [15][16]. - The average revenue per package has dropped significantly, with a reported 8.49% decrease in November 2025 compared to the previous year [17][18]. Group 3: Market Dynamics and Competitive Landscape - The express delivery industry is experiencing intense competition, with price wars that began in 2019 leading to the consolidation of smaller companies and leaving only a few major players [16]. - SF Holding's stock price has fallen significantly, losing two-thirds of its value since its peak in 2021, reflecting market skepticism despite stable operational performance [20][21]. - The company is also facing challenges from changes in e-commerce logistics, as it loses some business to competitors like JD Logistics and Zhongtong Express [19].