IPOs and Catalysts/Events, Global Equity Research Ltd

Arun George

IPOs and Catalysts/Events

Uncompromised, Independent, Conflict-Free Research

Global Equity Research Ltd

Global Equity Research was started in 2017 by a group of experienced research professionals. It was founded on a passionate belief in the importance and the need for uncompromised, independent, conflict-free research. We aim to provide differentiated and actionable primary and bottom up fundamental research.

Equity Capital Markets

ZTO Express Cayman  / Equity Capital Markets

<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/zto-express" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:23628:1" rel="noopener">ZTO Express (ZTO US)</a> is the leading express delivery company in China with a 19.1% market share of China’s express delivery service market as measured by total parcel volume, according to iResearch. ZTO Express passed its Hong Kong listing committee hearing last week and could raise up to $2 billion through a secondary listing, according to press reports. <div class="content-highlight">ZTO joins the wave of Hong Kong secondary listings set to hit the screens in the coming months. We think that ZTO is an attractive equity story as it is a best-in-class logistics player which can capitalize on the opportunities presented by China’s relatively fragmented logistics industry, in our view. </div>

ZTO Express (ZTO US) is the leading express delivery company in China with a 19.1% market share of China’s express delivery service market as measured by total parcel volume, according to iResearch. ZTO Express passed its Hong Kong listing committee hearing last week and could raise up to $2 billion through a secondary listing, according to press reports. ZTO joins the wave of Hong Kong secondary listings set to hit the screens in the coming months. We think that ZTO is an attractive equity story as it is a best-in-class logistics player which can capitalize on the opportunities presented by China’s relatively fragmented logistics industry, in our view. 

ZTO Express Secondary Listing: Home Delivery

Asian Equities Analyst, Logistics & Transport, Tracking Traffic

Daniel Hellberg

Asian Equities Analyst, Logistics & Transport

Tracking Traffic

Focusing on Asian logistics, transportation, and travel companies

Equity Bottom-Up

Q2 results for China's six listed express companies are finally in, and while most companies continued to report depressed profitability, outcomes varied significantly. Several firms pursued volume growth aggressively in the period, sacrificing pricing in order to maximize the number of parcels flowing through their networks; others appeared to do just the opposite. In the Q2 numbers, there is little evidence either approach actually worked consistently well. 
Looking at the volume versus pricing 'tradeoff' over the last two years, there is also little evidence that using pricing to boost volumes actually increases profitability. Indeed, most of the six express companies we track reported Q220 gross profits at or below Q218 levels, despite the companies more than doubling parcel volumes during the period. 
In our view, most Chinese express companies are 'price takers' that offer commodity-like services which are hard to differentiate from what their peers offer. In the long-run, we believe attempts to control pricing by pursuing only select cargoes are unlikely to succeed, and that companies should focus almost purely on securing greater volume and beating down unit costs. Alas, even this approach is likely to result in significantly lower margins over time, in our view.
In this note we review Q220 results, then look back farther to see individual company performance in terms of volume growth, pricing change, and change in gross profit. We also note growing CapEx demands and show how each company's shares have performed so far in 2020. In the medium-term, we expect profitability and cash flow at most express companies to continue to suffer. 
Under the scenario we describe in this note, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/maanshan-dingtai-rare-a" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:4128:1" rel="noopener">S.F. Holding (002352 CH)</a> continues to stand out. SF's time-definite products and its offerings in cold-chain, international, and local on-demand express truly differentiate it from the other five listed express companies. We believe SF can continue to increase its share of express sector profits and retain our BUY rating.

Q2 results for China's six listed express companies are finally in, and while most companies continued to report depressed profitability, outcomes varied significantly. Several firms pursued volume growth aggressively in the period, sacrificing pricing in order to maximize the number of parcels flowing through their networks; others appeared to do just the opposite. In the Q2 numbers, there is little evidence either approach actually worked consistently well. 
Looking at the volume versus pricing 'tradeoff' over the last two years, there is also little evidence that using pricing to boost volumes actually increases profitability. Indeed, most of the six express companies we track reported Q220 gross profits at or below Q218 levels, despite the companies more than doubling parcel volumes during the period. 
In our view, most Chinese express companies are 'price takers' that offer commodity-like services which are hard to differentiate from what their peers offer. In the long-run, we believe attempts to control pricing by pursuing only select cargoes are unlikely to succeed, and that companies should focus almost purely on securing greater volume and beating down unit costs. Alas, even this approach is likely to result in significantly lower margins over time, in our view.
In this note we review Q220 results, then look back farther to see individual company performance in terms of volume growth, pricing change, and change in gross profit. We also note growing CapEx demands and show how each company's shares have performed so far in 2020. In the medium-term, we expect profitability and cash flow at most express companies to continue to suffer. 
Under the scenario we describe in this note, S.F. Holding (002352 CH) continues to stand out. SF's time-definite products and its offerings in cold-chain, international, and local on-demand express truly differentiate it from the other five listed express companies. We believe SF can continue to increase its share of express sector profits and retain our BUY rating. 

A Price Vs. Volume Tradeoff? Not For Firms Offering Commodity-Like Chinese Express Services

Event-Driven

<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/alibaba-group-holding-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:787:1" rel="noopener">Alibaba Group (BABA US)</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/yto-express" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:20319:1" rel="noopener">YTO Express (600233 CH)</a> announced the former will increase its stake in the latter, from around 10.5% to 22.5%. BABA will purchase shares from YTO's co-founders, who will retain a controlling stake in the express company.
Although YTO's Q2 earnings results were slightly better than we expected, core margins remain depressed, and we do not believe the company's current level of profitability can sustain its medium-term investment plans. 
YTO has performed well over the past week or so on surprisingly firm Q2 results and it rose another 10% on the latest news regarding investment from BABA. However, given ongoing pressure on profitability, and the performance of rival <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/zhejiang-idc-fluid-control-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:18695:1" rel="noopener">Sto Express (002468 CH)</a> after it announced increased investment by BABA in early 2019, we would take advantage of recent strength to SHORT YTO. Within China's express segment, we continue to favor the fundamentals of <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/maanshan-dingtai-rare-a" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:4128:1" rel="noopener">S.F. Holding (002352 CH)</a>; a LONG SF Holding / SHORT YTO pair makes sense to us here.

Alibaba Group (BABA US) and YTO Express (600233 CH) announced the former will increase its stake in the latter, from around 10.5% to 22.5%. BABA will purchase shares from YTO's co-founders, who will retain a controlling stake in the express company.
Although YTO's Q2 earnings results were slightly better than we expected, core margins remain depressed, and we do not believe the company's current level of profitability can sustain its medium-term investment plans. 
YTO has performed well over the past week or so on surprisingly firm Q2 results and it rose another 10% on the latest news regarding investment from BABA. However, given ongoing pressure on profitability, and the performance of rival Sto Express (002468 CH) after it announced increased investment by BABA in early 2019, we would take advantage of recent strength to SHORT YTO. Within China's express segment, we continue to favor the fundamentals of S.F. Holding (002352 CH); a LONG SF Holding / SHORT YTO pair makes sense to us here.

Increased Investment from Alibaba a Blessing for YTO Express? Revisit STO Express & Think Again...

Overseas Chinese Equities, Aequitas Research

Ming Lu

Overseas Chinese Equities

IPOs and Placements coverage across Asia Pacific

Aequitas Research

We cover all listing across the Asia Pacific along with follow-up placements. As of Dec 2020, our team had covered 539 IPOs with a hit rate of 73.5% and 685 placements with a hit rate of 66.8%.

We combine fundamental bottom-up views with our proprietary quantitative framework to provide a holistic coverage across new listings and placements. Our coverage includes pre-IPO notes before the deal is launched, follow-up analysis once the deal is live and post-listing trading analysis as well.

<ul>
<li>Apple (APPL) stores are still crowded.</li>
<li>Tesla (TSLA) refused to deliver vehicles to customers who ordered via Pinduoduo (PDD).</li>
<li>JD.com (JD) did not extend the contract with Alibaba (BABA)’s Sto Express (002468 CN),</li>
<li>Tencent (700 HK) started mini-store in its WeChat for small retailers.</li>
</ul>


Apple (APPL) stores are still crowded.
Tesla (TSLA) refused to deliver vehicles to customers who ordered via Pinduoduo (PDD).
JD.com (JD) did not extend the contract with Alibaba (BABA)’s Sto Express (002468 CN),
Tencent (700 HK) started mini-store in its WeChat for small retailers.


China Internet Weekly (24Aug2020): TSLA Refused PDD’s Customers, JD Fired BABA’s Sto Express

<figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/154/486/original/BANNER-LOGISTICS.png?1598199804" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="154486"></figure>
Headline express parcel volume growth remained firm in July, but the pace of growth moderated compared to May-June. Flooding in some regions may have contributed to the slowdown. 
On all the metrics we follow, most Chinese express companies continue to experience dramatic declines in pricing, which are hurting top-line growth and, of course, profitability. 
Disappointing Q2 results from <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/zto-express" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:23628:1" rel="noopener">ZTO Express (ZTO US)</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/best-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:25494:1" rel="noopener">BEST Inc (BEST US)</a> show the stark choice companies face between capturing volume share and holding onto margins. Under current conditions, neither approach is likely to satisfy investors. 
Conclusion: within Chiina's express delivery sector, we continue to favor SF Holding. We expect growth and profitability of the rest of the sector to continue eroding in the medium-term.


Headline express parcel volume growth remained firm in July, but the pace of growth moderated compared to May-June. Flooding in some regions may have contributed to the slowdown. 
On all the metrics we follow, most Chinese express companies continue to experience dramatic declines in pricing, which are hurting top-line growth and, of course, profitability. 
Disappointing Q2 results from ZTO Express (ZTO US) and BEST Inc (BEST US) show the stark choice companies face between capturing volume share and holding onto margins. Under current conditions, neither approach is likely to satisfy investors. 
Conclusion: within Chiina's express delivery sector, we continue to favor SF Holding. We expect growth and profitability of the rest of the sector to continue eroding in the medium-term. 

TRACKING TRAFFIC/Chinese Express: July Growth Slows | Q2 Results Show Margin Vs Volume Tradeoff

China

STO Express Co Ltd. develops, manufactures and markets valves, pipe fittings and plumbing equipment. The Company's business encompasses the    development, manufacturing, sales and servicing of plumbing equipment, valves,  pipe fittings, metal construction materials, home automation, environmental protection and energy control systems.

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STO Express (002468 CH)

ZTO Express Secondary Listing: Home Delivery

$zto eZTO is the leading express delivery company in China with a 19.1% market share of China’s express delivery service market as measured by...

Arun George

A Price Vs. Volume Tradeoff? Not For Firms Offering Commodity-Like Chinese Express Services

Results varied Which approach worked? Market is rewa

Tracking Traffic

Increased Investment from Alibaba a Blessing for YTO Express? Revisit STO Express & Think Again...

Alibaba Group (BABA US) and YTO Express (600233 CH) announced the former will increase its stake in the latter, from around 10.5% to 22.5%. BABA...

Tracking Traffic

China Internet Weekly (24Aug2020): TSLA Refused PDD’s Customers, JD Fired BABA’s Sto Express

Apple (APPL) stores are still crowded. Tesla (TSLA) refused to deliver vehicles to customers who ordered via Pinduoduo (PDD). JD.com (JD) did not...

Ming Lu

TRACKING TRAFFIC/Chinese Express: July Growth Slows | Q2 Results Show Margin Vs Volume Tradeoff

Headline express parcel volume growth remained firm in July, but the pace of growth moderated compared to May-June. Flooding in some regions may...

Tracking Traffic

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52-week Range

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