ZTO Announces Proposed Offering of US$1.5 Billion Convertible Senior Notes

Rhea-AI Summary

ZTO (NYSE: ZTO) announced a proposed offering of US$1.5 billion aggregate principal amount of convertible senior notes due March 1, 2031. Net proceeds are planned for share repurchases (including a Concurrent Share Repurchase), capped call premiums, and general corporate purposes.

Notes are senior unsecured, non‑registered outside the U.S., convertible after a 40‑day compliance period, and include cleanup, tax and optional redemption features; concurrent capped call hedges and initial hedging activity by counterparties may affect the Class A ordinary share and ADS market price.

Positive

• US$1.5 billion convertible note offering to raise liquidity for share repurchases
• Planned Concurrent Share Repurchase at Hong Kong closing price on Feb 4, 2026
• Capped call transactions designed to reduce potential dilution upon conversion

Negative

• Issuance creates senior unsecured debt maturing March 1, 2031 with interest obligations
• Convertible structure could still produce equity dilution if conversions exceed repurchases
• Option counterparties' hedging activity may increase market volatility in Class A shares and ADSs

News Market Reaction

+1.24%

9 alerts

+1.24% News Effect

+$232M Valuation Impact

$18.94B Market Cap

0.9x Rel. Volume

On the day this news was published, ZTO gained 1.24%, reflecting a mild positive market reaction. Our momentum scanner triggered 9 alerts that day, indicating moderate trading interest and price volatility. This price movement added approximately $232M to the company's valuation, bringing the market cap to $18.94B at that time.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Key Figures

Convertible notes size: US$1.5 billion Notes maturity: March 1, 2031 First put date: March 1, 2029 +5 more

8 metrics

Convertible notes size US$1.5 billion Aggregate principal amount of proposed convertible senior notes due 2031

Notes maturity March 1, 2031 Final maturity date of the proposed convertible senior notes

First put date March 1, 2029 Date holders may require ZTO to repurchase notes for cash

First call eligibility March 6, 2029 Earliest date for optional redemption subject to share price conditions

Redemption premium trigger 130% of conversion price Share price condition for optional redemption window after March 6, 2029

Cleanup threshold 10% of original principal Level at which ZTO may redeem all but not part of remaining notes

Redemption price 100% of principal Cash amount payable on Tax, Cleanup or Optional Redemption, plus interest

Repurchase price on put 100% of principal Cash price if holders exercise repurchase right on fundamental change or 2029 put

Market Reality Check

Price: $24.66 Vol: Volume 1,750,179 is at 0....

normal vol

$24.66 Last Close

Volume Volume 1,750,179 is at 0.86x the 20-day average of 2,044,700, indicating sub-normal activity ahead of the offering. normal

Technical Shares at $22.51 are trading above the 200-day MA of $19.39 and within 1% of the 52-week high of $22.695.

Peers on Argus

While ZTO gained 1.72%, key logistics peers were mixed: FDX +2.94%, JBHT +4.04%,...

While ZTO gained 1.72%, key logistics peers were mixed: FDX +2.94%, JBHT +4.04%, UPS +1.06%, CHRW +0.36%, and EXPD -1.02%. No coordinated sector momentum is evident around this offering.

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Jan 20 (Positive)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Jan 20	Network conference update	Positive	-0.8%	Highlighted 2025 parcel growth and priorities aligned with national directives.
Nov 19	Q3 2025 earnings	Neutral	-0.1%	Reported revenue growth with mixed profitability and lowered annual guidance.
Oct 24	Earnings call notice	Neutral	+0.3%	Announced timing and access details for upcoming Q3 2025 results call.
Aug 29	Convertible notes repurchase	Neutral	-1.8%	Completed repurchase right offer for 1.50% Convertible Senior Notes due 2027.
Aug 19	Q2 2025 earnings	Negative	-1.1%	Showed volume growth but margin pressure and reduced 2025 volume guidance.

Pattern Detected

Recent news has often been followed by modest share price softness even on operationally solid updates, suggesting a tendency toward cautious reactions.

Recent Company History

Over the last six months, ZTO has reported strong parcel growth and active capital management. The 2026 National Network Conference highlighted 38.52 billion parcels in 2025 and ongoing quality-focused initiatives. Recent quarterly reports showed revenue growth but margin pressure and lowered volume guidance. The company also completed a major repurchase of its 1.50% Convertible Senior Notes due 2027. Against this backdrop, the new 2031 convertible notes proposal extends ZTO’s use of convertible debt alongside ongoing share repurchase strategies.

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement details a proposed US$1.5 billion convertible senior notes due 2031, with proceeds...

Analysis

This announcement details a proposed US$1.5 billion convertible senior notes due 2031, with proceeds earmarked for concurrent and future share repurchases and capped call transactions aimed at limiting dilution. It continues ZTO’s pattern of using convertible debt within a broader capital return framework. Investors may watch final pricing terms, conversion conditions, and execution of the Concurrent Share Repurchase, along with how this new debt layer interacts with future earnings trends and prior note repurchase activity.

Key Terms

convertible senior notes, qualified institutional buyers, rule 144a, securities act, +4 more

8 terms

convertible senior notes financial

"announced a proposed offering (the "Notes Offering") of US$1.5 billion in aggregate principal amount of convertible senior notes due 2031"

Convertible senior notes are a type of loan that a company issues to investors, which can be turned into company shares later on. They are called "senior" because they are paid back before other debts if the company runs into trouble. This allows investors to earn interest like a loan but also have the chance to own part of the company if its value rises.

qualified institutional buyers financial

"to non-U.S. persons that are "qualified institutional buyers" (as defined in Rule 144A under the United States Securities Act"

Qualified institutional buyers are large organizations, like big investment firms or banks, that are allowed to buy certain types of investment opportunities not available to everyday investors. Their size and experience matter because it ensures they understand and can handle complex financial deals, making markets more efficient and secure.

rule 144a regulatory

"buyers" (as defined in Rule 144A under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended"

Rule 144A is a regulation that makes it easier for companies to sell private bonds to large investors without going through all the usual rules that apply to public sales. It matters because it helps companies raise money more quickly and privately, often attracting big investors looking for special deals.

securities act regulatory

"under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act") in reliance on Regulation S"

A securities act is a law that governs the offering, sale and disclosure of stocks, bonds and other investment products to the public. It requires companies to provide clear, truthful information—like a product label for an investment—so buyers can understand risks and value before they invest. For investors, these rules reduce fraud, promote transparency, and help ensure fair access to market information.

regulation s regulatory

"in reliance on Regulation S under the Securities Act, subject to market conditions and other factors"

Regulation S is a set of rules that allows companies to sell securities (like shares or bonds) to investors outside the United States without having to follow all U.S. securities laws. It matters because it makes it easier for companies to raise money from international investors while still complying with U.S. regulations.

capped call transactions financial

"expects to enter into capped call transactions with one or more of the initial purchasers and/or their affiliates"

Capped call transactions are agreements where investors buy options that give them the chance to benefit if a stock's price goes up, but with a limit on how much they can gain. This helps protect them from paying too much if the stock's price rises a lot, similar to having a maximum limit on a reward. They matter because they help investors manage risk while still allowing some upside potential.

fundamental change regulatory

"require the Company to repurchase any Notes held in the event of a "fundamental change" (as will be defined in the indenture"

A fundamental change is a major shift in how a company or economy operates, like a new technology or a big change in leadership. It matters because such changes can affect the value or stability of investments, making them more or less attractive. Think of it like a major upgrade or shift in the rules of a game that can change the outcome.

american depositary shares financial

"repurchases of Class A ordinary shares and/or American depositary shares ("ADSs") of the Company pursuant to its share repurchase program(s)"

American depositary shares (ADSs) are a way for investors in the United States to buy shares of foreign companies without dealing with international markets directly. They represent ownership in a foreign company's stock and are traded on U.S. stock exchanges, making it easier for American investors to buy, sell, and own parts of companies from around the world.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

SHANGHAI, Feb. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- ZTO Express (Cayman) Inc. (NYSE: ZTO and SEHK: 2057), a leading and fast-growing express delivery company in China ("ZTO" or the "Company"), today announced a proposed offering (the "Notes Offering") of US$1.5 billion in aggregate principal amount of convertible senior notes due 2031 (the "Notes") in offshore transactions outside the United States to non-U.S. persons that are "qualified institutional buyers" (as defined in Rule 144A under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act")) in reliance on Regulation S under the Securities Act, subject to market conditions and other factors.

The Company plans to use the net proceeds from the Notes Offering (i) for refinancing to fund near-term on-market repurchases (from time to time) of Class A ordinary shares and/or American depositary shares ("ADSs") of the Company pursuant to its share repurchase program(s), subject to prevailing market conditions, as well as applicable laws and regulations, (ii) to fund the Concurrent Share Repurchase (as defined below) and the premium of the capped call transactions as described below, and (iii) for other general corporate purposes.

When issued, the Notes will be general senior unsecured obligations of ZTO. The Notes will mature on March 1, 2031, unless earlier redeemed, repurchased or converted in accordance with their terms prior to such date.

Holders may not convert the Notes at any time prior to the 40th day following the last date of the original issuance of the Notes (such date, the "Compliance Period End Date"). After the Compliance Period End Date, holders may convert their Notes at their option at any time prior to the close of business on the fifth scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date. Upon conversion, the Company will pay or deliver, as the case may be, cash, Class A ordinary shares, or a combination of cash and Class A ordinary shares, at the Company's election. The interest rate, initial conversion rate and other terms of the Notes will be determined at the time of pricing of the Notes.

The Company may redeem for cash all but not part of the Notes (i) if less than 10% of the aggregate principal amount of Notes originally issued remains outstanding at such time (the "Cleanup Redemption") and (ii) in the event of certain tax law changes (the "Tax Redemption"). The Notes will not be redeemable before March 6, 2029, except in connection with a Tax Redemption or Cleanup Redemption. On or after March 6, 2029 and on or prior to the 44th scheduled trading day immediately prior to the maturity date, the Notes will be redeemable, in whole or in part, for cash at the Company's option at any time, and from time to time, if the last reported sale price of the Class A ordinary shares has been at least 130% of the conversion price then in effect for at least 20 trading days (whether or not consecutive) during any 30 consecutive trading day period (including the last trading day of such period) ending on, and including, the trading day immediately preceding the date the Company provides notice of redemption (such redemption, an "Optional Redemption"). The redemption price in the case of a Tax Redemption, Cleanup Redemption or an Optional Redemption will equal 100% of the principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the related redemption date.

Holders of the Notes have the option, subject to certain conditions, to require the Company to repurchase any Notes held in the event of a "fundamental change" (as will be defined in the indenture for the Notes). In addition, holders have the right to require the Company to repurchase for cash all or part of their Notes on March 1, 2029. The repurchase price, in each case, will be equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the applicable repurchase date.

In connection with the pricing of the Notes, the Company expects to enter into capped call transactions with one or more of the initial purchasers and/or their affiliates and/or other financial institutions (the "Option Counterparties"). The capped call transactions are generally expected to reduce potential dilution to the Class A ordinary shares of the Company upon conversion of the Notes, and/or offset any cash payments the Company is required to make in excess of the principal amount of converted Notes, with such reduction of potential dilution and/or offset of cash payments, as the case may be, subject to a cap, and subject to the Company's ability to elect, subject to certain conditions, to settle the capped call transactions in cash, in whole or in part (in which case the Company would not receive any Class A ordinary shares from the Option Counterparties upon settlement of the capped call transactions). In connection with establishing their initial hedge positions of the capped call transactions, the Option Counterparties or their respective affiliates expect to purchase their hedges in privately negotiated transactions and/or enter into various derivative transactions with respect to the Class A ordinary shares concurrently with, or shortly after, the pricing of the Notes. This activity could have the effect of increasing (or reducing the size of any decrease in) the market price of the Class A ordinary shares, ADSs, other securities of the Company or the Notes at that time.

In addition, the Option Counterparties or their respective affiliates may modify their hedge positions by entering into or unwinding various derivative transactions with respect to the Class A ordinary shares, ADSs, the Notes or other securities of the Company and/or purchasing or selling the Class A ordinary shares, ADSs, the Notes or other securities of the Company in secondary market transactions following the pricing of the Notes and prior to the maturity of the Notes (and are likely to do so following any conversion of the Notes or repurchase of the Notes by the Company on any fundamental change repurchase date, the repurchase date or otherwise, in each case, if the Company elects to unwind the relevant portion of the capped call transactions early). The effect, if any, of this activity, including the direction or magnitude, on the market price of the Class A ordinary shares or ADSs or the price of the Notes will depend on a variety of factors, including market conditions, and cannot be ascertained at this time. Any of this activity could cause or avoid an increase or a decrease in the market price of the Class A ordinary shares, ADSs, other securities of the Company or the price of the Notes, which could affect whether the holders convert their Notes and the value of the consideration that holders will receive upon conversion of their Notes. In addition, any of the Option Counterparties may choose to engage in, or to discontinue engaging in, any of these transactions and activities with or without notice at any time, and their decisions will be in their sole discretion and not within the Company's control.

Concurrently with the pricing of the Notes, the Company plans to repurchase a number of its Class A ordinary shares to be determined at the time of pricing of the Notes from certain purchasers of the Notes in off-market privately negotiated transactions effected through one of the initial purchasers or its affiliates, as the Company's agent (such transactions, the "Concurrent Share Repurchase"). The Concurrent Share Repurchase is expected to facilitate the initial hedging by purchasers of the Notes who desire to hedge their investments in the Notes, as the Company intends to repurchase the available portion of the initial delta of the transaction, after taking into account the Option Counterparties' initial hedges of the capped call transactions. This will allow such purchasers of the Notes to establish short positions that generally correspond to commercially reasonable initial hedges of their investments in the Notes. The Concurrent Share Repurchase will be made pursuant to the Company's existing share repurchase program that is effective through June 30, 2026. The Company expects the purchase price in the Concurrent Share Repurchase to be the closing price of the Class A ordinary share on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on February 4, 2026.

In addition to the Concurrent Share Repurchase, the Company may also repurchase additional Class A ordinary shares and/or ADSs on the open market after the closing of the Notes and from time to time. The Concurrent Share Repurchase and future repurchases pursuant to the Company's share repurchase program(s) will be funded by the net proceeds of the Notes Offering, and, in the aggregate, are generally expected to offset potential dilution to the holders of the Company's ordinary shares (including in the form of ADSs) upon conversion of the Notes.

The Notes and the Class A ordinary shares deliverable upon conversion of the Notes (if any) have not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act or any state securities laws. They may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefits of, U.S. persons (as defined in Regulation S under the Securities Act) except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act and subject to the transfer restrictions set forth in the Notes. No public offering of the Notes and the Class A ordinary shares deliverable upon conversion of the Notes (if any) is being made into the United States.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to purchase any securities, nor shall there be a sale of the securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

This press release contains information about the pending Notes Offering, and there can be no assurance that the Notes Offering will be completed.

About ZTO

ZTO Express (Cayman) Inc. (NYSE: ZTO and SEHK: 2057) ("ZTO" or the "Company") is a leading and fast-growing express delivery company in China. ZTO provides express delivery service as well as other value-added logistics services through its extensive and reliable nationwide network coverage in China.

ZTO operates a highly scalable network partner model, which the Company believes is best suited to support the significant growth of e-commerce in China. The Company leverages its network partners to provide pickup and last-mile delivery services, while controlling the mission-critical line-haul transportation and sorting network within the express delivery service value chain.

For more information, please visit http://zto.investorroom.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains statements that may constitute "forward-looking" statements pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. ZTO may also make forward-looking statements in the Company's periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), in its interim and annual reports to shareholders, in announcements, circulars or other publications made on the website of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (the "Hong Kong Stock Exchange"), in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology, such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "confidence," "estimates," "likely to" and similar statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Among other things, the terms of the Notes, and whether the Company will complete the Notes Offering, are forward-looking statements. A number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the development of the e-commerce industry in China, its significant reliance on the Alibaba ecosystem, risks associated with its network partners and their employees and personnel, intense competition which could adversely affect the Company's results of operations and market share, any service disruption of the Company's sorting hubs or the outlets operated by its network partners or its technology system. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in ZTO's annual report on Form 20-Fs and other filings with the SEC and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. All information provided in this press release is current as of the date hereof, and ZTO assumes no obligation to update such information, except as required under applicable law.

For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

ZTO Express (Cayman) Inc.
Investor Relations
E-mail: ir@zto.com
Phone: +86 21 5980 4508

 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/zto-announces-proposed-offering-of-us1-5-billion-convertible-senior-notes-302678696.html

SOURCE ZTO Express (Cayman) Inc.

FAQ

What is ZTO (ZTO) offering in the February 4, 2026 convertible notes announcement?

ZTO is proposing to offer US$1.5 billion of convertible senior notes due March 1, 2031. According to the company, proceeds are expected to fund repurchases, capped call premiums, and general corporate purposes.

When can holders convert the ZTO convertible notes (ZTO) issued on Feb 4, 2026?

Holders may convert after a 40‑day compliance period following original issuance and up to five trading days before maturity. According to the company, conversion may settle in cash, Class A ordinary shares, or a combination.

How will ZTO (ZTO) use the net proceeds from the US$1.5 billion notes offering?

Net proceeds are planned for on‑market share repurchases, the Concurrent Share Repurchase and capped call premiums, plus general corporate purposes. According to the company, repurchases are subject to market conditions and applicable laws.

What are the redemption and repurchase features of ZTO's notes due 2031 (ZTO)?

Notes are redeemable on cleanup, for certain tax law changes, and optionally on or after March 6, 2029 under a 130% price trigger. According to the company, holders may require repurchase on March 1, 2029 or upon defined fundamental changes.

Will ZTO's (ZTO) capped call transactions affect shareholder dilution?

Capped calls are expected to reduce potential dilution from conversions, subject to a cap and settlement terms. According to the company, counterparties' hedging may still affect share prices and the effective dilution reduction.