Core Viewpoint - ZTO Express reported a strong growth in parcel volume and adjusted net income for the second quarter of 2025, despite facing challenges in the industry, indicating resilience and a focus on quality service [1][7][8]. Financial Highlights - Total revenues increased by 10.3% to RMB 11,831.8 million (US$1,651.7 million) compared to RMB 10,726.0 million in the same period of 2024 [8][10]. - Adjusted net income reached RMB 2.1 billion, a decrease of 26.8% from RMB 2.8 billion in the same period of 2024 [1][23]. - Basic and diluted earnings per American depositary share (ADS) were RMB 2.42 (US$0.34) and RMB 2.37 (US$0.33), down 25.3% and 25.0% respectively from the previous year [22]. Operational Highlights - Parcel volume grew by 16.5% year-over-year to 9.8 billion parcels [1][8]. - The number of pickup/delivery outlets exceeded 31,000, and the number of sorting hubs was 94 as of June 30, 2025 [8][10]. - The company maintained a stable SG&A expense ratio at 5.2% of revenue [9]. Cost and Profitability - Gross profit decreased by 18.7% to RMB 2,944.4 million (US$411.0 million), with a gross margin of 24.9% compared to 33.8% in the same period last year [15]. - Total cost of revenues increased by 25.1% to RMB 8,887.4 million (US$1,240.6 million) [11]. - Line-haul transportation costs remained stable, with a slight increase of 0.2% [12]. Business Outlook - The company revised its annual parcel volume guidance to a range of 38.8 billion to 40.1 billion, representing a growth rate of 14.0% to 18.0% [26]. - ZTO aims to stay ahead of the industry average growth rate while focusing on quality and operational efficiency [9][26]. Dividend Declaration - An interim cash dividend of US$0.30 per ADS and ordinary share was announced, representing a 40% payout ratio [25].

Summary of ZTO Express Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: ZTO Express (ZTO US) - **Industry**: Air Freight & Logistics - **Market Cap**: USD 16,049 million - **Current Share Price**: USD 19.95 - **Target Price**: USD 25.00 (previously USD 22.00) with a 25% upside potential [5][28][30] Key Points and Arguments Pricing Environment - **Price Hikes**: The State Post Bureau (SPB) in Guangdong has mandated local express operators to raise floor prices by up to RMB 0.4 per parcel, setting a minimum price of RMB 1.4 per parcel [2] - **Historical Context**: Previous price hikes in the sector have led to significant market rallies, such as a 48% increase in September 2021 following collective fee increases by Tongda players [3] - **Market Reaction**: ZTO's H-share price has rebounded by 23% since mid-June, outperforming the Hang Seng Index, as the market anticipates positive impacts from the SPB's guidance [3] Financial Performance and Projections - **Earnings Estimates**: Net profits for ZTO are projected to increase by 1-4% from 2025 to 2027, with current estimates 16% above consensus [4] - **2Q25 Preview**: Expected revenue growth of 12% year-over-year, with net profits estimated at RMB 2.7 billion, slightly down from the previous year but 2% ahead of consensus [4][20] - **Volume and Pricing**: Anticipated parcel volume growth of 18% in 2025, with average selling price (ASP) expected to decline by 5% [22] Valuation and Market Position - **Valuation Metrics**: ZTO trades at a forward PE of 11.9x, lower than the average of 14.2x for A-share listed peers, indicating potential undervaluation [31] - **Market Share**: ZTO holds a 19% market share as of 1Q25, with expectations of regaining market share due to improved pricing conditions [31][33] Risks and Challenges - **Downside Risks**: Include weaker-than-expected volume growth, aggressive price competition, and potential regulatory changes that could increase operational costs [32] Additional Important Information - **Financial Ratios**: Projected ROE of 16.8% in 2025, with a dividend yield expected to rise to 4.6% [8][14] - **Cash Flow**: Positive cash flow from operations projected to increase, supporting a 50% dividend payout ratio from 2025 onwards [22] - **Analyst Ratings**: The recommendation remains a "Buy" with a raised target price reflecting confidence in the company's ability to navigate the evolving market landscape [5][28] This summary encapsulates the critical insights from the conference call regarding ZTO Express, highlighting its pricing strategies, financial outlook, market position, and associated risks.

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating on ZTO Express (ZTO US, TP USD22.00) and STO Express (002468 CH, TP RMB14.10), while J&T Express (1519 HK, Hold, TP HKD9.00) is seen as having upside potential [6][10][49]. Core Insights - The express delivery sector in China is expected to benefit from new policy guidance aimed at preventing aggressive price competition, which has previously led to an 8% decline in average revenue per parcel (ARPP) despite a 20% increase in volume [2][10]. - Historical trends indicate that the sector has re-rated positively following government interventions to stabilize pricing, with a notable 48% rally in September 2021 after delivery fee increases [4][10]. - The current consensus has cut ZTO's earnings estimates by 15% due to intensified price competition, resulting in a forward PE multiple of 10.4x, significantly below its historical average of 19.2x, suggesting potential downside protection for the stock [3][10]. Summary by Sections Policy Impact - The State Post Bureau's recent conference emphasized tighter regulations to curb aggressive pricing strategies, which has already led to a 5-10% increase in share prices for express delivery companies [2][10]. - The report anticipates that if express delivery companies respond to the new policy with price hikes, a sustainable re-rating of the sector could occur [4]. Financial Projections - ZTO is projected to achieve 9% earnings growth by 2025, with a 21% increase in volume, despite an expected 11% decline in ARPP [5]. - A sensitivity analysis indicates that a 1 percentage point improvement in ARPP could lead to a 3 percentage point increase in net profit growth [5]. Company Ratings and Targets - ZTO Express is highlighted as the domestic leader with a target price of USD22.00, while STO Express is also rated as a "Buy" with a target price of RMB14.10, benefiting from potential regulatory interventions [6][10]. - J&T Express is rated as a "Hold" with a target price of HKD9.00, reflecting its position as a laggard in the market but with potential upside as competition eases [6][10].

Investment Rating - The report maintains an Overweight (OW) rating for SF Holding Co. Ltd - A and H shares, with price targets of Rmb52.00 and HK$46.00 respectively [4][39]. Core Insights - SF Holding has shown exceptional performance in the logistics sector, with A and H shares rising 24% and 38% year-to-date, significantly outperforming the CSI300 index, which is down 2% [2][10]. - The company's growth is attributed to operational optimization, innovative pricing models, and the use of advanced technologies like AI and robotics, enhancing efficiency and profitability [2][14]. - SF's business model reveals substantial upside potential, particularly in international parcels and supply chain management, positioning it favorably against global competitors like UPS [9][11]. Summary by Sections Operational Performance - SF has achieved robust parcel volume growth, with increases of 25%, 30%, and 32% year-over-year in March, April, and May respectively [3]. - The average selling price (ASP) has declined by 12-14% year-over-year due to the introduction of lower-priced parcels, but this strategy is expected to improve overall infrastructure utilization [3][10]. Market Positioning - SF's integrated business model allows it to capture market share across both high-end and low-end segments, maintaining profitability despite competitive pressures [2][3]. - The company views tariff impacts as manageable, with minimal effects on its bottom line, and anticipates growth in its logistics routes due to increased demand for comprehensive solutions [7][10]. Valuation Analysis - SF's valuation premium is justified by its unique position in China's logistics market, trading at 18x and 15x EV/EBITDA for FY26E, compared to peers at 11.5x [10][35]. - The report suggests that SF can trade at above 8-10x EV/EBITDA, reflecting its promising growth rates and significant upside potential in international and supply chain management [10][35].