Investment Rating - The report suggests a positive outlook for the express delivery industry, indicating a potential for profit elasticity among major listed companies such as Shentong Express, YTO Express, Zhongtong Express, and Yunda Express [5][24]. Core Insights - The express delivery industry is undergoing a "de-involution" process, driven by regulatory measures from the State Post Bureau and the active participation of express companies. This initiative aims to combat low-price competition and enhance service quality [1][16]. - The initial results of this de-involution are evident in Guangdong, where the minimum express delivery price has been raised by 0.4 yuan per ticket, with an average price exceeding 1.4 yuan. This price adjustment is expected to have a ripple effect across other regions [2][18]. - The de-involution effect is anticipated to be sustained due to seasonal price increases and new social security regulations, which will likely lead to increased operational costs for delivery personnel [3][20]. Summary by Sections Regulatory Framework - The de-involution framework emphasizes a dual approach where express companies take the lead, supported by regulatory oversight from postal authorities. This was reinforced by a series of meetings and policy announcements aimed at curbing irrational price competition [1][16][19]. Initial Outcomes - Guangdong's price increase serves as a model for other regions, with expectations that provinces like Zhejiang and Fujian will follow suit. The region has maintained a significant share of national express delivery volume, ranging from 24.33% to 27.25% since 2017 [2][19]. Profitability Analysis - The express delivery companies are characterized by low per-ticket profits but high business volumes, leading to significant profit elasticity. For instance, Zhongtong, YTO, Shentong, and Yunda are projected to handle 340.10 billion, 265.73 billion, 227.29 billion, and 237.83 billion packages respectively by the end of 2024, with per-ticket profits of 0.30, 0.15, 0.05, and 0.08 yuan [4][24]. Investment Recommendations - The report recommends focusing on companies with high profit elasticity, particularly Shentong Express, YTO Express, Zhongtong Express, Yunda Express, and Jitu Express, which have unique advantages in overseas operations [5][25].

Investment Rating - The report maintains a positive outlook on the express delivery and shipping industries, highlighting potential recovery and investment opportunities [1][3]. Core Insights - The express delivery sector is entering a verification phase for price increases, with key observations on price implementation, regional interactions, merchant actions, demand impacts, and potential social security implications. The report presents three scenarios for the industry: 1) elimination of price disparities leading to profit recovery and significant dividends; 2) continuation of competitive dynamics in many regions, exacerbating industry differentiation; 3) potential for higher-level mergers and acquisitions to optimize supply [3]. - The report emphasizes the opportunity in China Shipbuilding, noting a combined order value of 378.7 billion with a market value-to-order ratio of 0.76, indicating a historically low position. It recommends focusing on the dry bulk shipping sector and highlights the potential for profit transmission from the black chain industry to shipping [3]. - In the oil transportation segment, VLCC rates remained stable at $34,764 per day, with expectations for continued price increases due to tight capacity and active demand. The report also discusses the impact of U.S. sanctions on Iranian oil exports and the resulting increase in compliant oil demand [3]. - The aviation sector is expected to benefit from the Civil Aviation Administration's "anti-involution" policies, which may optimize competitive structures and enhance airline profitability. The report recommends several airlines based on supply constraints and demand elasticity [3]. - The railway and highway sectors show resilience, with steady growth in freight volumes. The report suggests two main investment themes for the highway sector: traditional high-dividend investments and potential value management catalysts for undervalued stocks [3]. Summary by Sections Express Delivery - The express delivery industry is experiencing a price verification phase, with potential for profit recovery and significant dividends [3]. - Recommended companies include Shentong Express and YTO Express, with a focus on Jitu Express, Zhongtong Express, and Yunda Express [3]. Shipping - China Shipbuilding presents an investment opportunity with a low market value-to-order ratio [3]. - Recommended companies in the dry bulk shipping sector include China Merchants Energy Shipping and Pacific Shipping [3]. Oil Transportation - VLCC rates are stable, with expectations for increases due to tight capacity and demand [3]. - The report notes the impact of U.S. sanctions on oil exports from Iran and Russia, affecting overall oil demand [3]. Aviation - The aviation sector is poised for profitability improvements due to regulatory changes and supply constraints [3]. - Recommended airlines include China Eastern Airlines, Spring Airlines, and China Southern Airlines [3]. Railway and Highway - The railway and highway sectors are showing steady growth in freight volumes, indicating resilience [3]. - Investment themes include high-dividend stocks and undervalued stocks in the highway sector [3].

Investment Rating - The report indicates a positive outlook for the express delivery industry, suggesting a potential recovery in pricing and profitability, with specific recommendations for companies like Shentong Express, YTO Express, and Jitu Express [3][66]. Core Insights - The current market dynamics are characterized by a recovery in express delivery prices, driven by both top-down and bottom-up pressures for price increases, indicating a shift away from intense price competition [3][66]. - The report outlines three scenarios for the future of the industry: 1) elimination of price disparities leading to sustained profit recovery and significant dividends; 2) continuation of competitive dynamics with increased industry fragmentation; 3) potential for higher-level mergers and acquisitions to optimize supply-side dynamics [39][66]. Summary by Sections Market Dynamics - The express delivery sector is experiencing a recovery phase, with significant price increases observed in regions like Guangdong and Yiwu, reflecting a commitment to eliminate price disparities [3][66]. - The report highlights that the express delivery price is a crucial driver of stock performance, with public fund holdings previously at low levels [6][66]. Company Recommendations - Recommended companies include Shentong Express for its high volume growth and profit improvement potential, YTO Express for its clear strategy and digital transformation, and Jitu Express for benefiting from high growth in Southeast Asian e-commerce [66]. - Zhongtong Express is noted for its market share recovery and profit rebound potential, while Yunda Express is recognized for its stable operations and improving network health [66]. Pricing Strategies - The report discusses the complexity of pricing policies in the express delivery sector, emphasizing the need for effective management of pricing strategies to maintain network stability and profitability [17][24]. - It also mentions that the stability of delivery fees is critical for the development of the industry, as it directly impacts the income of delivery personnel and overall service quality [30][32]. Future Outlook - The express delivery industry is expected to evolve towards a model resembling public utilities, with stable profits and cash flows leading to increased dividend payouts [43][66]. - The report suggests that the industry may see a shift from a consumer-driven PE valuation to a dividend yield-based valuation as profitability stabilizes [43][66].

Core Viewpoint - The report from Guotai Junan indicates that the "anti-involution" efforts in the express delivery industry will exceed expectations by 2025, leading to a reduction in short-term competitive pressure and ensuring healthy competition in the medium to long term. The recommendation is to maintain an "overweight" rating on express delivery stocks, as the profitability of e-commerce express delivery is expected to recover in the second half of the year, with future profitability elasticity depending on the sustainability of price increases [1]. Group 1: Industry Dynamics - The "anti-involution" measures initiated by the postal regulatory authority in April 2021 effectively curbed irrational price wars and ensured network stability, leading to a recovery in market share for leading companies and an increase in single-ticket revenue [2][3]. - The express delivery sector has faced significant pressure from irrational pricing strategies since late 2019, which intensified with the entry of new players in 2020, resulting in a prolonged price war that adversely affected the industry's performance and valuation [2]. - The postal regulatory authority's actions, including the prohibition of below-cost pricing and the establishment of minimum service prices, have been pivotal in stabilizing the market and restoring profitability for leading companies [2]. Group 2: Future Outlook - By 2025, the intensity of "anti-involution" efforts is expected to increase, with a notable rise in the focus on leading companies' market shares in the second half of 2024. However, the first quarter of 2025 may see a year-on-year decline in industry profit margins [4]. - The regulatory authority's ongoing commitment to opposing "involution-style" competition and ensuring stable operations at the grassroots level is crucial for the future sustainability of price increases and profitability elasticity in the express delivery sector [5]. - The anticipated recovery in profitability for e-commerce express delivery in the second half of 2025 will depend significantly on the regulatory environment and the ability to maintain price increases without adversely affecting small package volumes [5].

Core Viewpoint - The express delivery industry is undergoing a "anti-involution" phase, which is expected to alleviate short-term competitive pressures while ensuring healthy competition in the long term [2][3]. Group 1: Industry Dynamics - From late 2019, leading companies initiated price competition to increase market share, leading to irrational price wars that pressured both performance and valuations in the express delivery sector [1]. - In April 2021, the State Post Bureau intervened to curb irrational price wars, which began to stabilize the market and improve profitability for leading companies by the end of 2021 [1]. - The introduction of policies to protect the rights of delivery personnel in June 2021 led to a collective price increase of 0.1 yuan per ticket by major e-commerce delivery companies, helping to alleviate cost pressures [1]. Group 2: Future Outlook - In 2025, the intensity of "anti-involution" efforts is expected to exceed expectations, with short-term competitive pressures easing and a focus on maintaining stable operations for grassroots outlets [2]. - The profitability of major express companies is projected to recover in the second half of 2025, contingent on the sustainability of price increases and regulatory support from the State Post Bureau [3]. - The net profit per ticket for major companies in 2024 is forecasted to decline, but a recovery is anticipated in the latter half of 2025 if price increases are maintained [3]. Group 3: Regulatory Impact - The regulatory strength of the State Post Bureau will play a crucial role in determining the sustainability of price increases and future profitability elasticity in the express delivery sector [3]. - Continuous regulatory efforts and policy guidance to protect the rights of delivery personnel are expected to enhance the potential for price increases and their sustainability [3].

快递行业正迎来又一波"反内卷"浪潮。继南方都市报报道广东快递开启新一波涨价后，南都N视频记者 留意到，近期，福建省、北京市、宝鸡市等多地快递协会发文，倡议当地快递企业联合抵制"内卷式"竞 争维护公平竞争市场秩序。 有分析指出，在高质量发展背景下，监管引导和托底效应可以有力制约行业单票价格进一步下行。 多地协会发出倡议规范价格，摒弃"0元寄件"噱头 为促进全体会员及相关企业实现长期稳健发展，多地协会进一步发出包括"坚守底线，坚决抵制非理性 式竞争"、"回归本源，着力提升核心竞争能力"、"强化自律，严格落实企业主体责任""协同共治，协同 共建行业健康生态"的四方面倡议。 8月以来，北京市、宝鸡市先后发布倡议，其中提到有关背景：当前，部分领域出现了恶性价格战、低 于成本倾销、强制摊派补贴、忽视质量安全、侵害劳动者权益等"内卷式"竞争现象，严重扰乱了公平竞 争的市场秩序，损害消费者合法权益，挤压企业合理利润空间，侵蚀了行业可持续发展的根基，阻碍了 整体经济的提质增效。 广东、浙江部分地区快递已开启新一波涨价 快递行业长期深陷"低价换量"的"内卷式"竞争，加上电商平台一段时间以来的低价逻辑深入产业各个链 条，传导到物流 ...

Summary of the Conference Call on the Express Delivery Industry Industry Overview - The express delivery industry is experiencing intense price competition, with a price increase and volume increase ratio reaching 40% in the first half of 2025, surpassing the 34% and 32% seen in 2020 and 2021 respectively [5][1] - The government is implementing measures to combat "involution" in the industry, including price correction drafts and compliance guidelines from regulatory bodies [1][6] Key Points and Arguments - **Market Dynamics**: The express delivery market is expected to grow by 16.3% in 2025, with future growth projected at 6%-9% over the next two to three years. Companies are expected to manage this growth without excessive price competition [1][15][16] - **Company Performance**: - **SF Express**: Maintains healthy growth with cost reductions due to volume increases, showing no signs of involution [7] - **Yunda**: Focused on stable development, with price increases slightly above industry levels [7] - **YTO Express**: Achieved increases in volume, revenue, and prices, indicating high-quality development [8] - **Shentong**: Experienced a smaller price drop than the industry average, with a volume increase above the average [8] - **Postal Express**: Underperformed compared to YTO and Shentong, with lower pricing [9] - **Franchisee Issues**: Franchisees are facing intense competition, with a significant portion of the revenue being retained by them, leading to price wars [10] Government Measures - The government has taken steps to address involution, including: - Emphasizing political and economic correctness in central meetings [6] - Implementing price correction drafts for the first time since 1998 [6] - Enforcing compliance guidelines for online trading platforms [6][17] Future Trends - **Technological Advancements**: The industry is expected to benefit from digitalization and automation, leading to cost reductions and improved efficiency [19][22] - **New Revenue Streams**: New business avenues such as cross-border delivery, factory delivery, and emergency logistics are anticipated to enhance industry revenue and profits [19][22] - **Profit Projections**: The total profit for five major companies in the industry is expected to reach 30 billion in 2025, potentially increasing to 50-60 billion by 2030 [21][22] Regional Insights - **Jinhua**: Experienced a price drop of 0.09 yuan in the first half of 2025, with a projected annual decrease of 0.13 to 0.14 yuan [11] - **Linyi**: Saw a price reduction of 0.15 yuan, with an expected total decrease of 0.22 to 0.23 yuan for the year [12] - **Jieyang**: Noted significant price competition, with a drop of 0.37 yuan in the first half of 2025 [13] - **Baoding**: Experienced a price drop of 0.76 yuan, with an annual forecast of around 1 yuan [14] Conclusion - The express delivery industry is navigating a complex landscape of price competition, regulatory scrutiny, and technological advancements. The focus on maintaining healthy competition and exploring new revenue streams is expected to drive growth and profitability in the coming years.

Group 1: Express Delivery Industry - Guangdong Province has implemented a price increase for express delivery, raising the base price by 0.4 yuan per ticket, with the average price exceeding 1.4 yuan [2][3] - Major express companies, particularly the "Tongda system," began raising prices on August 5, with increases of 0.4 to 0.5 yuan for special items weighing 0.1 kg, and an additional 0.1 yuan per 0.1 kg increase [2][3] - In the first half of 2025, Guangdong Province's express delivery volume reached 23.43 billion pieces, accounting for 24.5% of the national total, indicating a significant market share [2] Group 2: Autonomous Delivery Vehicles - The deployment of autonomous delivery vehicles is progressing, with Zhongtong and Yuantong launching operations in Tibet and Hainan, respectively [3] - Zhongtong's autonomous vehicle in Tibet has successfully completed testing and is now operating on a regular delivery route, overcoming challenges posed by the region's climate [3] - Yuantong has received 24 autonomous vehicles for operations in Hainan, marking a new phase in the company's technological upgrade [3] Group 3: Aviation Industry - South Korea will implement a temporary visa exemption for Chinese group tourists from September 29 to June 30, 2024, which is expected to boost travel between China and South Korea [4] - China Civil Aviation Information Network anticipates a net profit of 1.45 billion yuan for the first half of 2025, reflecting a 5% year-on-year increase, driven by stable growth in aviation information technology services [5] Group 4: Shipping and Port Operations - Cheniere Energy plans to double its LNG production capacity, potentially benefiting the demand for new LNG vessels, with an expected annual output exceeding 100 million tons by 2030 [6] - The Shanghai Containerized Freight Index (SCFI) has decreased by 3.9% week-on-week, indicating a decline in export container freight rates [6] - The Baltic Dirty Tanker Index (BDTI) has increased by 8.49% week-on-week, reflecting a rise in crude oil tanker rates [7] Group 5: Road and Rail Transport - Zhongyuan Expressway reported a 7.68% year-on-year increase in net profit for the first half of 2025, with total revenue of approximately 3.105 billion yuan [10] - The Daqin Railway achieved a 5.40% year-on-year increase in cargo transport volume in July 2025, with an average daily transport volume of 1.0255 million tons [11] - National logistics operations remained stable from July 28 to August 3, with a slight decrease in freight transport volumes [11] Group 6: Industry Outlook - The express delivery sector is expected to benefit from a rebound in e-commerce demand and a reduction in price competition, leading to improved profitability for major players like SF Express and JD Logistics [12][13] - The shipping industry is anticipated to see growth driven by OPEC+ production increases and a favorable macroeconomic environment, with recommendations to monitor companies like China Merchants Energy and COSCO Shipping [14][15] - The port sector is viewed as stable with strong cash flow, suggesting a focus on growth potential in key hub ports [15]

Investment Rating - The report maintains a positive outlook on the logistics and transportation industry, particularly highlighting the express delivery sector and shipping companies [1][3]. Core Insights - The express delivery sector is entering a new phase of price increases, with significant price adjustments observed, particularly in Guangdong, which may spread to other regions. Three scenarios are proposed for this new phase: 1) elimination of price disparities leading to profit recovery and substantial dividends; 2) continuation of competitive dynamics in many regions; 3) potential for higher-level mergers and acquisitions [3]. - The shipbuilding sector is experiencing robust profitability, with Yangtze River Shipbuilding reporting a gross margin of 35% and a net margin of 32.5% for the first half of 2025, prompting recommendations for companies like China Shipbuilding and China Heavy Industry [3]. - Recent geopolitical pressures have led to a decline in oil exports from Iran and Russia to India, which may increase compliance demand and VLCC (Very Large Crude Carrier) demand as a substitute for smaller tankers. Iran's oil exports have dropped to around 1.2 million barrels per day recently [3]. - VLCC freight rates have surged by 52% week-on-week, reaching $34,679 per day, indicating a potential end to the seasonal downturn in the market [3]. - The report highlights the resilience of railway freight volumes and highway truck traffic, with national railway freight at 77.69 million tons and highway truck traffic at 52.59 million vehicles for the week of July 28 to August 3 [3]. Summary by Sections Express Delivery - The express delivery sector has seen a price increase of 4.34%, outperforming other sub-sectors [4][5]. - Companies recommended include Shentong Express and YTO Express, with a focus on Jitu Express, Zhongtong Express, and Yunda Express [3]. Shipping - The report notes a significant increase in VLCC rates, with a 9.34% rise in the crude oil tanker index [4]. - Recommendations include China Shipbuilding and China Heavy Industry due to strong performance in the shipbuilding sector [3]. Air Transportation - The report suggests that the "anti-involution" policy in civil aviation may optimize industry competition, benefiting airline profitability in the long term [3]. - Recommended airlines include China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, and Spring Airlines [3]. Railway and Highway - The report indicates steady growth in railway and highway freight volumes, with a focus on high-dividend investment opportunities in the highway sector [3]. - The establishment of a new railway company under the China National Railway Group is noted as a positive development [3]. High Dividend Stocks - The report lists high dividend stocks in the transportation sector, including Bohai Ferry with a dividend yield of 8.46% and Zhonggu Logistics at 7.53% [3][21].

Core Viewpoint - The express delivery industry has been trapped in a "price-for-volume" competition, and it is time to pause this trend as price adjustments are being implemented to stabilize the market [1][2]. Group 1: Price Adjustment and Industry Response - Starting from August 5, the minimum price for express delivery in Guangdong Province has been raised by 0.4 yuan per ticket, bringing the average price to over 1.4 yuan, with an increase in delivery fees for grassroots outlets by 0.1 yuan per ticket [1]. - The new pricing policy requires that no express company can collect fees below the cost price of 1.4 yuan, primarily benefiting e-commerce customers with high delivery volumes [1][2]. - Industry insiders confirm that the price increase is already in effect, allowing businesses to at least break even after months of operating at a loss due to extremely low prices [1][2]. Group 2: Background of the Competition - The express delivery sector has been engaged in a "low-price for volume" competition, leading to reduced profit margins for grassroots outlets, low wages for delivery personnel, and poor service quality, creating a vicious cycle [2]. - Reports indicated that some delivery prices had dropped to as low as 0.85 yuan per ticket, with some businesses operating at a loss to maintain market share [2]. Group 3: Regulatory and Expert Insights - Since July, there has been a growing movement against "involution" in the express delivery industry, with the State Post Bureau emphasizing the need for stronger industry regulation and the establishment of market rules [3]. - Experts suggest that while the price increase will have a noticeable short-term impact on e-commerce deliveries, it is crucial to ensure that service quality improves alongside the price adjustments [4]. - Long-term benefits are expected for leading express companies that have not heavily engaged in price wars, as they possess greater operational flexibility and sustainable development strategies [4].