HK/China Equity Long-Short

Osbert Tang, CFA

Equity Bottom-Up

<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/zto-express-cayman-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:33488:1" rel="noopener">ZTO Express Cayman Inc (2057 HK)</a>'s 63.1% surge in 3Q22 adjusted net profit demonstrated its ability to thrive even amid the challenging operating environment.  </li>
<li>It is positive on FY23 outlook and believes industry volume can return to double-digit growth. ZTO is confident of market share gain, better cost management and stable pricing. </li>
<li>We think its premium valuations are highly justified by strong cash generating ability. The increase of US$500m and lengthening of one year in share repurchase are very welcomed.</li>
</ul>



ZTO Express Cayman Inc (2057 HK)'s 63.1% surge in 3Q22 adjusted net profit demonstrated its ability to thrive even amid the challenging operating environment.  
It is positive on FY23 outlook and believes industry volume can return to double-digit growth. ZTO is confident of market share gain, better cost management and stable pricing. 
We think its premium valuations are highly justified by strong cash generating ability. The increase of US$500m and lengthening of one year in share repurchase are very welcomed.


ZTO Express (2057 HK/​​ZTO US): Solid Upward Momentum Stays Intact

<ul>
<li>The Aug China Express Development Index points to further industry recovery; and as the leader with 23% (+2pp YoY) market share, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/zto-express-cayman-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:33488:1" rel="noopener">ZTO Express (2057 HK)</a> should ride on the uptrend. </li>
<li>Sustained volume outperformance, upside on pricing and excellent cost control capability are drivers in 2H22. We are also comfortable with its solid financial position. </li>
<li>ZTO Express has above-average earnings quality and enjoys benefits from industry consolidation. Its on par valuation with the industry makes the stock appealing.</li>
</ul>


The Aug China Express Development Index points to further industry recovery; and as the leader with 23% (+2pp YoY) market share, ZTO Express (2057 HK) should ride on the uptrend. 
Sustained volume outperformance, upside on pricing and excellent cost control capability are drivers in 2H22. We are also comfortable with its solid financial position. 
ZTO Express has above-average earnings quality and enjoys benefits from industry consolidation. Its on par valuation with the industry makes the stock appealing.


ZTO Express (2057 HK/​ZTO US): Quality Speaks for Itself

Head of Research, IPOs & Placements, Aequitas Research

Sumeet Singh

Head of Research, IPOs & Placements

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.

Event-Driven

<ul>
<li>On 26th Aug 2022, PCAOB and CSRC announced that they had entered into an agreement granting US authorities access to investigate public accounting firms headquartered in China and HK.</li>
<li>On 2nd Apr 2022, CSRC put out a draft for public comments on the revision of certain provisions which would allow easier access by overseas regulators to China ADRs audits.</li>
<li>In this note, we'll talk about the latest developments and its implications.</li>
</ul>


On 26th Aug 2022, PCAOB and CSRC announced that they had entered into an agreement granting US authorities access to investigate public accounting firms headquartered in China and HK.
On 2nd Apr 2022, CSRC put out a draft for public comments on the revision of certain provisions which would allow easier access by overseas regulators to China ADRs audits.
In this note, we'll talk about the latest developments and its implications.


China ADRs Delisting - Tide Is Turning - Non-HK Listed ADRs Are Already Outperforming

External broker reports(aggregated public sources), CMB International

CMB International

External broker reports(aggregated public sources)

Incorporated in Hong Kong, supported by the mainland and targeting in global market, CMB International Capital Corporation Limited (“CMBI”) is an integrated financial institution providing comprehensive and professional services. As a wholly-owned subsidiary of China Merchants Bank ("CMB"), by leveraging on the Group’s synergy and coordination in domestic and overseas markets, as well as CMB’s strong resources and outstanding social reputation, CMBI and its subsidiaries have been actively implementing diversified business strategies and set up an overall layout of main business segments including Corporate Finance, Asset Management, Wealth Management, Global Markets and Structured Finance, etc. Adhering to the philosophy of “being clients oriented and increasing our own values by the way of creating value for clients”, CMBI endeavors to provide quality and integrated financial services to institutional, corporate and individual customers both domestic and overseas including Hong Kong IPO sponsorship and underwriting, share placement and rights issue for listed companies, financial advisors, bonds issuance services, asset management, direct investment, wealth management, equity sales and trading, etc.

<ul>
<li>Reported net profit in 2Q22 grew 40% YoY to RMB1.8bn. Stripping out the net FX change (+RMB120mn in 2Q22; -RMB26mn in 2Q21), the adjusted net profit grew 28% YoY to RMB1.69bn.</li>
<li>Parcel volume +7.5% YoY to 6.2bn units along with large market share gain.</li>
<li>ASP +10.5% YoY. Parcel delivery ASP increased by 10.5% YoY (or RMB0.13/unit) to RMB1.34/unit in 1Q22.</li>
</ul>
<p><em>Content is external broker report sourced from online content aggregator through publicly available sources and is displayed below for general informational purposes only. Refer full disclaimer below.</em></p>


Reported net profit in 2Q22 grew 40% YoY to RMB1.8bn. Stripping out the net FX change (+RMB120mn in 2Q22; -RMB26mn in 2Q21), the adjusted net profit grew 28% YoY to RMB1.69bn.
Parcel volume +7.5% YoY to 6.2bn units along with large market share gain.
ASP +10.5% YoY. Parcel delivery ASP increased by 10.5% YoY (or RMB0.13/unit) to RMB1.34/unit in 1Q22.

Content is external broker report sourced from online content aggregator through publicly available sources and is displayed below for general informational purposes only. Refer full disclaimer below.

ZTO Express (ZTO US) – Record-High Market Share; Good Cost Control

<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/zto-express-cayman-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:33488:1" rel="noopener">ZTO Express Cayman Inc (2057 HK)</a> has outperformed industry volume growth in 1Q22 and such trend continues into 2Q22 with good ASP improvement and cost control. </li>
<li>Its strong operating cash flow and declining capex will lead to an accumulation of cash over the next few years, adding to the 1Q22 net cash position of Rmb4.1bn. </li>
<li>We think the stock's underperformance against peers not warranted. With a below-sector earnings multiple, leadership position and successful business model, we consider ZTO a "Growth at a reasonable price".</li>
</ul>



ZTO Express Cayman Inc (2057 HK) has outperformed industry volume growth in 1Q22 and such trend continues into 2Q22 with good ASP improvement and cost control. 
Its strong operating cash flow and declining capex will lead to an accumulation of cash over the next few years, adding to the 1Q22 net cash position of Rmb4.1bn. 
We think the stock's underperformance against peers not warranted. With a below-sector earnings multiple, leadership position and successful business model, we consider ZTO a "Growth at a reasonable price".


ZTO Express (2057 HK/ZTO US): Growth at a Reasonable Price

China

ZTO Express (Cayman) Inc. operates as an express delivery company. The Company provides express delivery service through their nationwide network, as well as other value-added logistics services. ZTO Express serves customers globally.

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ZTO Express Cayman (ZTO US)

ZTO Express (2057 HK/ZTO US): Solid Upward Momentum Stays Intact

ZTO's strong 3Q22 net profit growth and increased buyback program are both positive developments. It is also confident on the FY23 outlook as...

Osbert Tang, CFA

ZTO Express (2057 HK/ZTO US): Quality Speaks for Itself

Industry figures suggest express market to continue recover in Aug and ZTO Express is best benefited given its number one position. Upside of ASP...

Osbert Tang, CFA

China ADRs Delisting - Tide Is Turning - Non-HK Listed ADRs Are Already Outperforming

On 26th Aug 2022, PCAOB and CSRC announced that they had entered into an agreement granting US authorities access to investigate public accounting...

Sumeet Singh

ZTO Express (2057 HK/ZTO US): Growth at a Reasonable Price

ZTO Express has outperformed industry volume growth with healthy pricing levels so far into FY22. We anticipate it will continue to add net cash to...

Osbert Tang, CFA

Price Gauge

52-week Range

Market Cap (USDm)

P/E

Dividend (Yield)

ZTO Express (2057 HK/​​ZTO US): Solid Upward Momentum Stays Intact

ZTO's strong 3Q22 net profit growth and increased buyback program are both positive developments. It is also confident on the FY23 outlook as...

Osbert Tang, CFA

ZTO Express (2057 HK/​ZTO US): Quality Speaks for Itself

Industry figures suggest express market to continue recover in Aug and ZTO Express is best benefited given its number one position. Upside of ASP...

Osbert Tang, CFA

China ADRs Delisting - Tide Is Turning - Non-HK Listed ADRs Are Already Outperforming

On 26th Aug 2022, PCAOB and CSRC announced that they had entered into an agreement granting US authorities access to investigate public accounting...

Sumeet Singh

ZTO Express (ZTO US) – Record-High Market Share; Good Cost Control

ZTO’s 2Q22 net profit grew 40% YoY to RMB1.8bn. Even if we strip out the FX gain of RMB120mn in 2Q, the profit is still in line with expectations.

CMB International

ZTO Express (2057 HK/ZTO US): Growth at a Reasonable Price

ZTO Express has outperformed industry volume growth with healthy pricing levels so far into FY22. We anticipate it will continue to add net cash to...

Osbert Tang, CFA

ZTO Express (2057 HK/ZTO US): Solid Upward Momentum Stays Intact

ZTO Express (2057 HK/ZTO US): Quality Speaks for Itself