SF Holding(SZ:002352)2025-05-20 15:24Summary of the Express Delivery Industry Conference Call Industry Overview - The express delivery industry experienced a growth rate of 21.6% in Q1, but dropped below 20% in April due to ongoing price wars. The competition is primarily concentrated in the central and northern regions of China, while traditional grain-producing areas maintain stable prices [1][3][5]. - Major companies like Shentong (申通) and YTO Express (圆通) have shown strong performance, with Shentong achieving a 19% increase in single ticket revenue in April, surpassing the industry average [1][7]. Key Insights and Arguments - Price Stability and Competition: Shentong has demonstrated remarkable price stability, with its franchisees showing resilience and actively capturing market share without excessive support from headquarters. This contrasts with other companies where franchisees lack motivation to seize market share [1][7]. - Cost Control Strategies: Companies are optimizing core costs such as transit and trunk transportation to cope with price competition. Yunda (运达) has achieved a historical low cost of 0.62 yuan per ticket, which is the lowest in the industry [1][8]. - Single Ticket Delivery Fees: Delivery fees have gradually decreased with the growth in business volume, but the extent of decline varies among companies. Shentong's delivery fees remained stable in Q1, validating its strategy of balancing profit and growth [1][9]. - Capital Expenditure Disparities: There is a divergence in capital expenditures among express delivery companies, with Zhongtong (中通) and YTO maintaining strong investments, indicating potential shifts in market share post-2025 [1][10]. Additional Important Points - Market Sentiment and Stock Performance: The overall market sentiment remains low, with stock prices of major companies declining despite Shentong's positive performance in Q1. SF Express (顺丰) has shown relative resilience due to its franchise model [2][13]. - Regional Price Variations: Prices in traditional grain-producing areas have not decreased significantly, while central and northern regions have seen substantial price drops, with some provinces experiencing growth rates of 30%-40% [6]. - Future Industry Trends: The express delivery industry is expected to face challenges in the upcoming months, with potential growth rates dropping to around 15% during the peak season. Companies may resort to price policies to enhance capacity utilization [14][15]. - Impact of New Regulations: New regulations are expected to influence the logistics industry significantly, promoting high-quality development and potentially providing government subsidies to leading companies [19][21]. Conclusion The express delivery industry is navigating a complex landscape characterized by price wars, varying performance among companies, and significant regional differences. Companies that effectively manage costs and maintain price stability, like Shentong and YTO, are likely to emerge stronger in the evolving market. The anticipated changes in capital expenditure and regulatory environment will also play a crucial role in shaping the industry's future dynamics.