Company Description
ZTO Express (Cayman) Inc. (NYSE: ZTO) is an express delivery and logistics company focused on the Chinese market. According to the company’s public statements, ZTO is described as a “leading and fast-growing express delivery company in China” and operates within the couriers and express delivery services industry in the broader transportation and warehousing sector. Its listed securities include American Depositary Shares (ADSs), each representing one Class A ordinary share, which trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol ZTO and on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong under the code 2057.
The company states that it provides express delivery services and other value-added logistics services through extensive nationwide network coverage in China. Within this network, ZTO uses what it calls a highly scalable network partner model. Under this model, ZTO works with local network partners that handle pickup and last‑mile delivery services under the ZTO brand, while ZTO itself controls the line‑haul transportation and sorting network that connects different regions and sorting hubs. This structure is presented by the company as well suited to support the growth of e‑commerce in China.
Business Model and Service Mix
ZTO’s public financial disclosures break out revenues into several categories. The company identifies express delivery services as its core business line, which accounts for the majority of total revenues in its quarterly reports. In addition, ZTO reports revenue from freight forwarding services, from the sale of accessories, and from other revenues.
- Express delivery services: This category covers the core parcel delivery activities within China and is consistently the largest contributor to total revenues in the company’s quarterly financial results.
- Freight forwarding services: ZTO also reports a smaller revenue stream from freight forwarding, which has included cross‑border e‑commerce related activity according to its financial commentary.
- Sale of accessories: The company explains that this revenue largely consists of sales of thermal paper used for printing digital waybills and, in some periods, digital thermal paper waybills.
- Other revenues: In its quarterly releases, ZTO notes that other revenues are derived mainly from financing services.
On the cost side, ZTO’s disclosures highlight line‑haul transportation cost, sorting hub operating cost, freight forwarding cost, cost of accessories sold, and other costs. The company provides narrative explanations around changes in unit transportation costs, sorting hub costs, and other costs, often linking them to economies of scale, automation, route planning, fuel prices, and service to higher‑value enterprise or key account customers.
Network and Operations
ZTO regularly reports operational statistics that illustrate the scale of its network in China. Across its 2025 quarterly releases, the company discloses:
- Parcel volumes in the billions of parcels per quarter, with year‑over‑year growth rates in the teens.
- More than 31,000 pickup and delivery outlets across China as of various quarter‑end dates in 2025.
- Approximately 6,000 direct network partners, which are the local entities that cooperate with ZTO under its network partner model.
- Over 10,000 self‑owned line‑haul vehicles, a large portion of which are described as high‑capacity 15‑ to 17‑meter‑long models.
- Approximately or over 3,900 line‑haul routes between sorting hubs.
- In the range of 94–95 sorting hubs, most operated directly by the company and a small number by its network partners.
The company also discloses the number of automated sorting equipment sets in service at its hubs, and links changes in unit sorting cost to automation, standardized operating procedures, and performance evaluation. These details underscore a focus on cost productivity and operational efficiency within its transportation and sorting infrastructure.
Strategic Focus and E‑commerce Exposure
In management commentary accompanying its quarterly results, ZTO emphasizes themes of service quality, network stability, and profitable growth. The company frequently references “retail volume” growth, “reverse logistics,” and cooperation with e‑commerce platforms and enterprise customers. It notes that key account revenue, generated by direct sales organizations, has been driven mainly by increases in e‑commerce return parcels.
Management statements describe the Chinese express delivery industry as highly competitive, with a significant share of volume characterized by lower unit economics. ZTO’s commentary highlights its approach of maintaining consistent network policies, focusing on long‑term relationships with network partners, and pursuing initiatives aimed at reducing last‑mile delivery costs while enhancing capabilities. The company also refers to its philosophy of “shared success” with franchise and network partners.
Capital Markets, Listings, and Corporate Actions
ZTO is incorporated in the Cayman Islands and files as a foreign private issuer with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, using Form 20‑F for its annual report and Form 6‑K for current reports. Recent Form 6‑K filings include:
- Quarterly unaudited financial results releases, such as its first, second, and third quarter 2025 results.
- Announcements related to its share repurchase program, including information on aggregate ADSs repurchased and remaining authorization.
- Notices and results of its annual general meeting, including resolutions on director elections, auditor appointments, and share issuance and repurchase mandates.
- Announcements regarding its 1.50% Convertible Senior Notes due 2027, including a repurchase right notification and the completion of a repurchase right offer.
- Hong Kong Stock Exchange related disclosures such as Monthly Return and Next Day Disclosure Return documents.
- An announcement on a connected transaction involving the acquisition of 100% equity interest in Zhejiang Xinglian.
The company’s securities are also listed on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong, and its Form 6‑K filings frequently attach Hong Kong regulatory documents as exhibits.
Headquarters and Legal Form
Multiple SEC filings identify ZTO Express (Cayman) Inc. with an address in the Qingpu District of Shanghai, People’s Republic of China. The company is organized as a Cayman Islands entity and reports as a foreign private issuer under U.S. securities laws.
Financial Reporting and Metrics
ZTO’s quarterly results include both GAAP and non‑GAAP measures. The company defines and reports metrics such as Adjusted net income, EBITDA, and Adjusted EBITDA, as well as adjusted basic and diluted earnings per ADS. It provides reconciliations and definitions, explaining that these non‑GAAP measures exclude share‑based compensation and certain non‑recurring items, such as impairment of investments or gains and losses on disposals.
The company’s narrative also discusses unit transportation costs, unit sorting costs, and changes in gross margin, often attributing trends to economies of scale, automation, route planning, fuel prices, and the mix of parcel types, including higher‑valued enterprise and key account customers.
Corporate Governance and Board Matters
In addition to AGM‑related resolutions, ZTO’s SEC filings and press releases document changes in board composition. For example, the company has reported the appointment and resignation of directors, including independent directors, and has clarified when such resignations are not due to disagreements with the board or the company.
Shareholders have voted on resolutions to re‑elect directors, authorize the board to fix director remuneration, re‑appoint auditors, and grant general mandates to issue and repurchase Class A ordinary shares within specified limits. These actions are summarized in AGM result announcements and related Form 6‑K filings.
Status and Trading
Based on the most recent SEC filings and press releases provided, ZTO Express (Cayman) Inc. continues to file current reports on Form 6‑K and remains listed on both the New York Stock Exchange and the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong. There is no indication in the supplied materials of delisting, deregistration, bankruptcy, or a completed merger that would have transformed or terminated the company’s listed status.