Investment Rating - The investment rating for the company is "Buy" and is maintained [8]. Core Insights - In the first half of 2025, the company's revenue reached $5.5 billion, representing a year-on-year growth of 13.1%. Adjusted net profit was $160 million, a significant increase of 147.1% [2][5]. - The Southeast Asian market benefited from the expansion of e-commerce platforms led by TikTok, driving rapid growth in business volume and profits. The new markets achieved a positive EBITDA for the first time [2][10]. - The Chinese market faced price competition, leading to pressure on single-package profits, but there are signs of profit recovery in the second half of the year [2][10]. Summary by Sections Southeast Asia Market - The company saw a 57.9% year-on-year increase in business volume to 3.23 billion packages, with market share rising by 5.4 percentage points to 32.8%. The average revenue per package decreased by $0.13 to $0.61, while the average cost per package fell by $0.10 to $0.50 [10]. - The adjusted EBIT per package increased by $0.007 to $0.073, with adjusted EBIT growing by 74.0% to $160 million [10]. China Market - In the first half of 2025, the company’s package volume in China grew by 20.0% to 10.6 billion packages, with market share increasing by 0.1 percentage points to 11.1%. However, the average revenue and cost per package both decreased by $0.04 [10]. - The adjusted EBIT per package fell by $0.006 to $0.001, resulting in a 78.3% decline in adjusted EBIT to $10 million due to intensified competition [10]. New Markets - The new markets experienced a 21.7% year-on-year growth in package volume to 1.7 billion packages, with market share increasing by 0.1 percentage points to 6.2%. The average revenue per package rose by $0.04 to $2.18, while the average cost per package also increased by $0.04 to $1.92 [10]. - The adjusted EBIT per package improved by $0.059 to -$0.106, leading to a positive EBITDA of $2 million [10]. Future Outlook - The company is expected to benefit from the expansion of e-commerce platforms and the "anti-involution" trend in the Chinese market, which may drive profit recovery in the second half of the year. The adjusted net profit forecasts for 2025, 2026, and 2027 are $340 million, $550 million, and $860 million, respectively, with corresponding P/E ratios of 34.8, 21.8, and 13.9 [10][11].

Core Viewpoint - The express delivery industry in China is experiencing significant growth, with a notable increase in parcel volume and a trend towards "anti-involution" in pricing competition, which is expected to stabilize the market in the medium to long term [1][4]. Group 1: Industry Performance - In July 2025, the national express delivery volume reached 16.4 billion parcels, a year-on-year increase of 15.1%, while the volume for January to July 2025 totaled 112.05 billion parcels, up 18.7% year-on-year [1][2]. - The express delivery industry's revenue in July 2025 increased by 8.9% year-on-year, while the average revenue per parcel decreased by 5.3%. For the first seven months of 2025, revenue grew by 9.9%, with a 7.4% decline in average revenue per parcel [4]. Group 2: Company Performance - SF Express reported a remarkable business volume growth of 33.7% year-on-year in July 2025, leading the industry, with a 26.9% increase for the first seven months [2]. - Other major express companies such as YTO, Yunda, and Shentong also showed positive growth in July 2025, with year-on-year increases of 20.8%, 7.6%, and 11.9% respectively [2]. Group 3: Market Concentration - The market concentration in the express delivery sector is increasing, with the CR8 (concentration ratio of the top 8 companies) reaching 86.9% for January to July 2025, reflecting a 1.7% year-on-year increase [3]. - In Q2 2025, the market shares of leading companies such as Zhongtong, YTO, Yunda, Shentong, and Jitu increased compared to Q1, indicating a trend towards greater market concentration [3]. Group 4: Pricing and Competition - The decline in average revenue per parcel is narrowing, indicating a reduction in price competition due to the "anti-involution" measures being implemented. This trend is expected to ease competitive pressures in the short term while promoting healthy competition in the long term [4]. - The National Postal Administration has emphasized the need to combat "involution-style" competition, with recent meetings aimed at ensuring stable operations and pricing in the express delivery sector [4]. Group 5: Investment Recommendations - The "anti-involution" measures are anticipated to alleviate competitive pressures, with expectations for profitability recovery in the e-commerce express sector in the latter half of the year. The sustainability of price increases will be crucial for future profitability [5]. - Companies such as SF Express, YTO Express, Zhongtong Express, Jitu Express, and Yunda are highlighted as key investment opportunities due to their strong performance and potential for profit recovery [5].

Investment Rating - The report rates the express delivery industry as "Overweight" [1] Core Insights - In July 2025, the express delivery volume increased by 15.1% year-on-year, with S.F. Holding leading the industry with a volume growth of 33.7%. The overall industry is expected to maintain strong growth momentum, driven by trends such as smaller parcels and e-commerce promotions [6][59] - The report highlights a narrowing decline in express delivery prices, indicating a shift towards healthier competition in the industry. This "anti-involution" trend is expected to ease short-term competitive pressures while ensuring long-term healthy competition [1][56] Summary by Sections Industry Overview - In July 2025, the national express delivery volume reached 16.40 billion parcels, up 15.1% year-on-year, with revenue of 1206.4 billion RMB, reflecting an 8.9% increase. The average revenue per parcel was 7.36 RMB, down 5.3% year-on-year [6][59] - For the first seven months of 2025, the total express delivery volume was 1120.5 billion parcels, up 18.7% year-on-year, exceeding the postal bureau's forecast of over 8% growth for the year [6][59] Company Performance - In July 2025, the business volumes for major companies were as follows: S.F. Holding +33.7%, YTO Express +20.8%, Yunda +7.6%, and Shentong +11.9%. For the first seven months, the growth rates were +26.9%, +21.6%, +15.1%, and +19.3% respectively [31][32] - The market shares for these companies in July 2025 were: S.F. Holding 8.4%, YTO Express 15.8%, Yunda 13.2%, and Shentong 13.3% [32] Market Trends - The report notes that the industry concentration is increasing, with the CR8 index rising to 86.9 in the first seven months of 2025, up 1.7 year-on-year. This indicates a growing focus on leading companies in the market [28][59] - The report emphasizes that the "anti-involution" measures initiated by the postal bureau are expected to continue, which will help stabilize the market and promote healthy competition in the long run [56][59] Investment Recommendations - The report suggests that the easing of competition will reduce pressure on the industry, with expectations for profit recovery in the second half of 2025. Key companies to watch include S.F. Holding, YTO Express, ZTO, J&T, and Yunda [56][59]

Core Viewpoint - The express delivery industry in Guangdong has initiated a significant price increase, impacting e-commerce sellers, particularly those relying on low-margin, high-volume sales models like "9.9包邮" [1][2][5] Group 1: Price Increase Details - Starting August 4, 2023, the Guangdong Postal Administration raised the base price for express delivery of light packages (0.3kg and below) by 0.4 yuan, resulting in an average price exceeding 1.4 yuan per package, marking a price increase of over 40% [2][4] - The price increase has been rapid and unprecedented, with many express companies implementing the new pricing within two days of notification [2][4] - The price adjustment is part of a broader "anti-involution" movement within the express delivery sector, aimed at stabilizing the market after years of price wars [2][4][19] Group 2: Impact on E-commerce Sellers - E-commerce sellers, especially those with low-priced products, are facing severe profit compression due to rising delivery costs, with some reporting a drop in daily orders by as much as 62.5% [8][11][12] - For example, a seller of a 9.9 yuan product has seen their profit per item decrease from 2 yuan to 1.5 yuan due to increased shipping costs, leading to a significant monthly profit reduction [9][11] - Many sellers are now forced to consider raising product prices, but fear losing customers due to price sensitivity [16][17] Group 3: Market Reactions and Adjustments - Some sellers are exploring alternative shipping options, such as moving inventory to provinces with lower shipping costs, like Jiangxi and Hunan, to mitigate the impact of rising prices in Guangdong [15][19] - The ongoing price increases are expected to spread to other provinces, potentially affecting the entire e-commerce landscape [2][7][15] - The express delivery price hikes are seen as a necessary step to break the cycle of unsustainable low pricing in the industry, although they create immediate challenges for many small and medium-sized e-commerce businesses [14][19]

Core Viewpoint - The company reported a decline in profits and margins in the first half of 2025, but anticipates a recovery in performance in the second half due to cost-cutting measures and a favorable market environment for express delivery [1][2]. Financial Performance - In 1H25, the company achieved revenue of 24.83 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 6.8%, with a gross profit of 1.68 billion yuan, down 31.5% year-on-year; gross margin was 6.8%, a decrease of 3.8 percentage points [1]. - The net profit attributable to shareholders in 1H25 was 530 million yuan, a decline of 49.2% year-on-year, with a net profit margin of 2.1%, down 2.3 percentage points; the non-recurring net profit was 450 million yuan, down 45.6% year-on-year [1]. - In Q2 2025, the company reported revenue of 12.64 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 4.5%, with a gross profit of 740 million yuan, down 43.3% year-on-year; gross margin was 5.8%, a decrease of 4.9 percentage points [1]. Cost Structure - In 1H25, the average revenue per ticket was 1.92 yuan, a decrease of 0.16 yuan year-on-year; average profit per ticket was 0.04 yuan, down 0.05 yuan year-on-year [1]. - The average sorting cost per ticket was 0.28 yuan, down 0.03 yuan year-on-year; average transportation cost per ticket was 0.31 yuan, down 0.08 yuan year-on-year [1]. Strategic Initiatives - The company is optimizing its franchise express network and focusing on digitalization, automation, and unmanned delivery methods [2]. - As of 1H25, the company has doubled the number of grid warehouses to 1,926 and has 468 collection and distribution centers, enhancing efficiency and service quality [2]. - The company is implementing a "1+N+AI" technology strategy to improve operational quality and efficiency across various logistics functions [2]. - The deployment of drones and unmanned vehicles for last-mile delivery has been initiated in eight provinces and cities [2]. Investment Outlook - The company is expected to achieve net profits of 1.82 billion yuan, 2.20 billion yuan, and 2.48 billion yuan from 2025 to 2027, with corresponding price-to-earnings ratios of 13, 11, and 9 times [2]. - The company is considered a leading player in the express delivery industry with stable market share and steady growth in business volume, supported by ongoing digital transformation and cost reduction efforts [2].

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Recommended" rating for the company [4][6]. Core Views - The company is expected to achieve a net profit attributable to shareholders of 18.2 billion, 22.0 billion, and 24.8 billion from 2025 to 2027, with corresponding PE ratios of 13, 11, and 9 times [4]. - The company has shown a stable market share and steady growth in business volume, supported by ongoing digital transformation and cost reduction efforts [4]. - The report highlights the potential for performance recovery in the second half of 2025 due to the "anti-involution" trend in the express delivery industry [4]. Financial Performance Summary - In the first half of 2025, the company achieved revenue of 248.3 billion, a year-on-year increase of 6.8%, while gross profit was 16.8 billion, down 31.5% year-on-year, resulting in a gross margin of 6.8% [1]. - The net profit attributable to shareholders for the first half of 2025 was 5.3 billion, a decrease of 49.2% year-on-year, with a net profit margin of 2.1% [1]. - For the second quarter of 2025, the company reported revenue of 126.4 billion, a year-on-year increase of 4.5%, with a gross profit of 7.4 billion, down 43.3% year-on-year [2]. Operational Strategy Summary - The company is focused on optimizing its franchise express network and enhancing its logistics ecosystem through digitalization and automation [3]. - As of the first half of 2025, the company has doubled the number of grid warehouses to 1,926 and has 468 collection and distribution centers, improving operational efficiency [3]. - The company is actively deploying drones and unmanned vehicles for last-mile delivery, with ongoing promotions in eight provinces [3].

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Strong Buy" rating for YTO Express [2][5] Core Views - The company achieved a revenue of 35.883 billion yuan in H1 2025, a year-on-year increase of 10.19%, while the net profit attributable to shareholders was 1.831 billion yuan, a decrease of 7.90% [3] - The business volume grew steadily, with a total of 14.863 billion parcels delivered in H1 2025, representing a year-on-year increase of 21.79% [3] - The decline in single-ticket revenue due to price wars was a significant factor in the decrease in net profit [3][4] - The company has optimized its cost structure, with single-ticket costs decreasing from 2.11 yuan to 2.02 yuan, a reduction of 4.51% [4] - The company is focusing on improving service quality, with a significant reduction in lost parcels and false sign-offs [5] Revenue and Profitability - The company's single-ticket revenue in H1 2025 was 2.19 yuan, down 6.27% from the previous year [3] - The gross profit per single ticket decreased by 25.34% year-on-year, from 0.23 yuan to 0.17 yuan [4] - The forecasted net profits for 2025, 2026, and 2027 are 3.98 billion yuan, 4.66 billion yuan, and 5.15 billion yuan, respectively [5][10] Market Position and Strategy - YTO Express's market share increased from 15.2% to 15.5% year-on-year [3] - The company is expanding its reverse logistics business, which has seen a growth of over 112% [5] - Regulatory attention on price wars is expected to ease competitive pressures, potentially improving profitability [5] Financial Metrics - The company’s total market capitalization is approximately 58.794 billion yuan [7] - The projected earnings per share (EPS) for 2025, 2026, and 2027 are 1.15 yuan, 1.35 yuan, and 1.50 yuan, respectively [5][10] - The price-to-earnings (PE) ratios for the same years are projected to be 14.9X, 12.7X, and 11.5X [5][10]

Core Viewpoint - The express delivery industry in China is undergoing a significant "anti-involution" movement, driven by government regulations and the need to stabilize pricing and service quality in the face of intense competition [2][3][5] Group 1: Background and Context - The phrase "8 mao fa quanguo" (0.8 yuan for nationwide delivery) symbolizes extreme low-price competition in the express delivery sector, which is now being phased out due to recent anti-involution efforts [2] - The central economic work conference in July 2023 emphasized the need to regulate "involutionary" competition across various industries, including express delivery [2][3] - The State Post Bureau has taken a firm stance against "involutionary" competition, aiming to improve service quality and contribute to a unified national market [2][4] Group 2: Regulatory Changes - Starting from July 18, 2023, the minimum price for express delivery in Yiwu, Zhejiang, was raised by 0.1 yuan to 1.2 yuan, with Guangdong following suit on August 4, 2023, increasing the minimum price to 1.4 yuan [2][10] - The new regulations are part of a broader legal framework, including the revised Anti-Unfair Competition Law and the Price Law, aimed at curbing harmful price competition [3][5] Group 3: Industry Dynamics - The express delivery industry has experienced a decline in average prices, with the average price dropping to 2 yuan in 2024, and prices in key areas like Yiwu and Guangdong falling below 1 yuan [6] - The industry faces overcapacity and intensified competition, exacerbated by a slowdown in e-commerce growth, leading to fierce customer resource competition [6][7] Group 4: Impact on Stakeholders - The current anti-involution measures are expected to primarily affect e-commerce clients' logistics costs rather than directly impacting end consumers [8][10] - The new pricing regulations are seen as a way to ensure that express delivery companies can maintain profitability while adhering to legal standards [11] Group 5: Future Outlook - The anti-involution movement is anticipated to expand nationwide, with other regions like Fujian, Jiangsu, Tianjin, Beijing, and Hebei expressing intentions to follow suit [11] - The focus on pricing regulation is just one aspect of the broader goal to avoid homogenized competition, with technology upgrades and service innovation being crucial for future growth [11]

Core Insights - The express delivery industry in China experienced significant growth in volume, with July 2025 seeing 16.4 billion parcels delivered, a year-on-year increase of 15.1%, and a total of 112.05 billion parcels from January to July, up 18.7% year-on-year [1] - The growth is driven by the trend towards smaller packages, e-commerce promotions, and convenient return policies, surpassing the postal administration's forecast of over 8% growth for the entire year [1] - Major players in the e-commerce express delivery sector, such as YTO, Yunda, and Shentong, reported year-on-year volume increases of 20.8%, 7.6%, and 11.9% respectively in July 2025, with year-to-date increases of 21.6%, 15.1%, and 19.3% [1] - SF Express led the industry with a 33.7% year-on-year increase in volume for July 2025, attributed to its operational strategies and incentives for frontline staff [1] - The Ministry of Finance and the State Administration of Taxation announced new VAT policies for express delivery services, effective immediately, which will impact revenue collection for express companies [1] - Industry average revenue per parcel decreased to 7.36 yuan in July 2025, down 5.33% year-on-year and 1.76% month-on-month, influenced by the trend towards smaller packages and ongoing price wars [1] - However, there are indications of potential price recovery in August 2025 due to a shift away from aggressive competition [1][2] Company Insights - Key players in the express delivery sector include ZTO Express, SF Holding, JD Logistics, and YTO International Express, all of which are listed on the Hong Kong stock exchange [3] - The report from Guohai Securities indicates that franchise express companies may see performance recovery in the context of reduced competition [1][2]

Group 1 - The core viewpoint indicates that the express delivery industry in China is experiencing significant growth, with a total volume of 164.0 billion parcels in July 2025, representing a year-on-year increase of 15.1% [1] - For the first seven months of 2025, the total parcel volume reached 1,120.5 billion, showing a year-on-year growth of 18.7%, surpassing the postal administration's forecast of over 8% for the entire year [1] - The growth is driven by the trend of smaller packages, e-commerce promotions, and convenient return policies [1] Group 2 - In the e-commerce express segment, major players such as YTO Express, Yunda Express, and Shentong Express reported year-on-year growth rates of 20.8%, 7.6%, and 11.9% respectively in July 2025 [1] - For the first seven months of 2025, their respective growth rates were 21.6%, 15.1%, and 19.3% [1] - SF Express achieved a year-on-year growth of 33.7% in July 2025 and 26.9% for the first seven months, attributed to the implementation of operational activation strategies and increased incentives for frontline operations [1] Group 3 - The Ministry of Finance and the State Taxation Administration announced new VAT policies for express delivery services, effective immediately, stating that express companies will pay VAT based on "collection and delivery services" [1] - According to Guohai Securities, the industry average revenue per parcel in July 2025 was 7.36 yuan, reflecting a year-on-year decline of 5.33% and a month-on-month decline of 1.76% [2] - The ongoing trend of smaller packages and price wars are impacting revenue per parcel, although there are indications of potential price recovery in August due to a shift away from intense competition [2] Group 4 - The report highlights the potential for recovery in performance for franchise express companies amid the backdrop of reduced competition [2] - The express delivery sector is seeing a narrowing of price declines, with expectations of a slowdown in competitive pressure [2] - The focus remains on the performance growth of time-sensitive express delivery leaders and the valuation recovery opportunities in the e-commerce express segment [2] Group 5 - Related Hong Kong-listed express delivery companies include ZTO Express (02057), SF Holding (06936), SF Express City (09699), JD Logistics (02618), and YTO International Express (06123) [3]