Blue Lotus China New Economy Research, Blue Lotus Research Institute

Eric Wen

Blue Lotus China New Economy Research

China growth and global non-US Internet equities

Blue Lotus Research Institute

Blue Lotus Research is a Hong Kong Type 4 Licensed investment advisory firm focusing on Chinese growth equities and global non-US Internet equities

Thematic (Sector/Industry)

<ul>
<li>Coffee Industry: Cotti Coffee promote the application of commercial robots, which we deemed as a gimmick (+)</li>
<li>1211 HK/300750 CH/ QS:US solid start battery startup posted positive test result and stock rose 40% (/)</li>
<li>2618 HK/ZTO/002352 CH/600233 CH/1519 HK/002120 CH/002468 CH: MOT announces new regulations on express parcel delivery (+/+/-/-/-/-/-)</li>
</ul>


Coffee Industry: Cotti Coffee promote the application of commercial robots, which we deemed as a gimmick (+)
1211 HK/300750 CH/ QS:US solid start battery startup posted positive test result and stock rose 40% (/)
2618 HK/ZTO/002352 CH/600233 CH/1519 HK/002120 CH/002468 CH: MOT announces new regulations on express parcel delivery (+/+/-/-/-/-/-)


[Blue Lotus Daily]: LKNCY/0000625 CH/1211 HK/300750 CH/QS/NIO/LI/2618 HK/ZTO/002352 CH/600233 CH

Asian Equities Analyst, Logistics & Transport, Tracking Traffic

Daniel Hellberg

Asian Equities Analyst, Logistics & Transport

Tracking Traffic

Focusing on Asian logistics, transportation, and travel companies

<ul>
<li>For segments we cover -- express, containers, tourism -- 2023 was challenging</li>
<li>In this note we highlight each segment's key trends and themes from 2023</li>
<li>We conclude with a look at 2023 share performance and a peak into 2024</li>
</ul>


For segments we cover -- express, containers, tourism -- 2023 was challenging
In this note we highlight each segment's key trends and themes from 2023
We conclude with a look at 2023 share performance and a peak into 2024


Key 2023 Trends & Themes in Asian Express, Containers, Tourism | Plus A Peak Into 2024

Equity Bottom-Up

<ul>
<li>For the first time in a while, ZTO reported a solid increase in Adj EBITDA in Q2 (+20%)</li>
<li>But the company also lowered parcel volume guidance range for FY26, to a range of 6-10%</li>
<li>After solid 9.6% growth in H126, new volume guidance implies H226 growth could fall to 0%</li>
</ul>


For the first time in a while, ZTO reported a solid increase in Adj EBITDA in Q2 (+20%)
But the company also lowered parcel volume guidance range for FY26, to a range of 6-10%
After solid 9.6% growth in H126, new volume guidance implies H226 growth could fall to 0%


ZTO Express Q226: Adj EBITDA Increased on Higher ASP, but FY26 Guidance Cut Spooked Investors

<ul>
<li>Update on the US postage fraud case we reported on earlier: it's far more expansive than previously reported, and last week the judge ordered that the trial begin in August</li>
<li>A new report from the US Congress attacks Temu, SHEIN on two fronts: Xinjiang-made goods and <em>de minimus</em> imports; tighter enforcement or new legislation could soon follow</li>
<li>It's unclear how the postage fraud case and growing Congressional concerns will play out; worst-case, both could dramatically undermine the direct-to-US consumer business model</li>
</ul>


Update on the US postage fraud case we reported on earlier: it's far more expansive than previously reported, and last week the judge ordered that the trial begin in August
A new report from the US Congress attacks Temu, SHEIN on two fronts: Xinjiang-made goods and de minimus imports; tighter enforcement or new legislation could soon follow
It's unclear how the postage fraud case and growing Congressional concerns will play out; worst-case, both could dramatically undermine the direct-to-US consumer business model


New Developments in Postage Fraud Case and US Congress Could Create Big Obstacles for Temu, SHEIN

<ul>
<li>Gross margin compression in China's express industry has been going on for years and predates the Covid crisis. But margins have enjoyed a modest recovery since late 2021</li>
<li>Since 2019, margins have fallen and the distribution of profits among China's listed express companies has changed dramatically, with two clear-cut losers</li>
<li>Even though two listed express companies have seen their profitability compressed dramatically, there are no signs of industry consolidation -- and some parties like it that way</li>
</ul>


Gross margin compression in China's express industry has been going on for years and predates the Covid crisis. But margins have enjoyed a modest recovery since late 2021
Since 2019, margins have fallen and the distribution of profits among China's listed express companies has changed dramatically, with two clear-cut losers
Even though two listed express companies have seen their profitability compressed dramatically, there are no signs of industry consolidation -- and some parties like it that way


Chinese Express Consolidation? Lesser Players Battered for Years, But Still No Knockout Punch

China

YTO Express Group Co., Ltd. provides global express services. The Company also provides general cargo warehousing, domestic air transport agency, car rental, supply chain management, and other related services throughout China..

Price Gauge
52-week Range	0.00 - 0.00
Market Cap (USDm)	0.00
P/E	0.00
Dividend (Yield)	0.00

YTO Express (600233 CH)

[Blue Lotus Daily]: LKNCY/0000625 CH/1211 HK/300750 CH/QS/NIO/LI/2618 HK/ZTO/002352 CH/600233 CH

Cotti promotion of commercial robots in the coffee industry. A battery startup had a positive test result, leading to a 40% rise in stock. MOT...

Blue Lotus Research Institute

Key 2023 Trends & Themes in Asian Express, Containers, Tourism | Plus A Peak Into 2024

In this insight we look at the important trends and themes we've covered this year in the express, containers, and tourism sectors. We also...

Tracking Traffic

ZTO Express Q226: Adj EBITDA Increased on Higher ASP, but FY26 Guidance Cut Spooked Investors

On Tuesday August 18 ZTO reported better Q226 results, but management also used the opportunity to lower FY26 parcel volume guidance, spooking...

Tracking Traffic

New Developments in Postage Fraud Case and US Congress Could Create Big Obstacles for Temu, SHEIN

We offer an update on a fascinating criminal case set to go to trial next month, plus we outline big risks posed by criticisms of Temu and SHEIN by...

Tracking Traffic

Chinese Express Consolidation? Lesser Players Battered for Years, But Still No Knockout Punch

Margins in China's express sector have been falling for years. However, there are few signs of consolidation: companies remain profitable, and...

Tracking Traffic

Price Gauge

52-week Range

Market Cap (USDm)

P/E

Dividend (Yield)

[Blue Lotus Daily]: LKNCY/0000625 CH/1211 HK/300750 CH/QS/NIO/LI/2618 HK/ZTO/002352 CH/600233 CH

​Cotti promotion of commercial robots in the coffee industry. A battery startup had a positive test result, leading to a 40% rise in stock. MOT...

Blue Lotus Research Institute

Key 2023 Trends & Themes in Asian Express, Containers, Tourism | Plus A Peak Into 2024

In this insight we look at the important trends and themes we've covered this year in the express, containers, and tourism sectors. We also...

Tracking Traffic

ZTO Express Q226: Adj EBITDA Increased on Higher ASP, but FY26 Guidance Cut Spooked Investors

On Tuesday August 18 ZTO reported better Q226 results, but management also used the opportunity to lower FY26 parcel volume guidance, spooking...

Tracking Traffic

New Developments in Postage Fraud Case and US Congress Could Create Big Obstacles for Temu, SHEIN

We offer an update on a fascinating criminal case set to go to trial next month, plus we outline big risks posed by criticisms of Temu and SHEIN by...

Tracking Traffic

Chinese Express Consolidation? Lesser Players Battered for Years, But Still No Knockout Punch

Margins in China's express sector have been falling for years. However, there are few signs of consolidation: companies remain profitable, and...

Tracking Traffic

Cotti promotion of commercial robots in the coffee industry. A battery startup had a positive test result, leading to a 40% rise in stock. MOT...