Loading...
ZTO logo

ZTO Express (Cayman) Inc.NYSE:ZTO Stock Report

Market Cap US$17.5b
Share Price
US$22.99
US$23.87
3.7% undervalued intrinsic discount
1Y35.6%
7D-3.2%
1D
Portfolio Value
View

ZTO Express (Cayman) Inc.

NYSE:ZTO Stock Report

Market Cap: US$17.5b

ZTO Express (Cayman) (ZTO) Stock Overview

Provides express delivery and other value-added logistics services in the People's Republic of China. More details

ZTO fundamental analysis
Snowflake Score
Valuation6/6
Future Growth1/6
Past Performance2/6
Financial Health5/6
Dividends3/6

ZTO Community Fair Values

Create Narrative

See what 32 others think this stock is worth. Follow their fair value or set your own to get alerts.

ZTO Express (Cayman) Inc. Competitors

Price History & Performance

Summary of share price highs, lows and changes for ZTO Express (Cayman)
Historical stock prices
Current Share PriceUS$22.99
52 Week HighUS$26.20
52 Week LowUS$16.73
Beta-0.18
1 Month Change-9.95%
3 Month Change-9.09%
1 Year Change35.63%
3 Year Change-14.98%
5 Year Change-28.36%
Change since IPO38.74%

Recent News & Updates

Narrative Update May 13

ZTO: Future Share Buybacks And Capital Returns Will Support Upside Potential

Narrative Update on ZTO Express (Cayman) The analyst price target for ZTO Express (Cayman) has been adjusted slightly higher to $31.48 from $31.38, reflecting analysts' updated views on revenue growth, profit margins, and future P/E expectations following recent research that includes both higher targets and a downgrade, balanced around share buybacks and modest earnings revisions. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research on ZTO Express (Cayman) reflects a mix of views, but the consensus price target has edged slightly higher as some analysts focus on valuation support, capital returns, and earnings potential.
Narrative Update Apr 23

ZTO: Future Share Buybacks And Unit Economics Will Support Upside Potential

Analysts have nudged their price expectations for ZTO Express (Cayman) higher, lifting the updated fair value estimate to about $31.38 from roughly $31.00. Recent research highlights the impact of share buybacks, slightly stronger revenue and margin assumptions, and revised long term P/E expectations across the Street.

Recent updates

Narrative Update May 13

ZTO: Future Share Buybacks And Capital Returns Will Support Upside Potential

Narrative Update on ZTO Express (Cayman) The analyst price target for ZTO Express (Cayman) has been adjusted slightly higher to $31.48 from $31.38, reflecting analysts' updated views on revenue growth, profit margins, and future P/E expectations following recent research that includes both higher targets and a downgrade, balanced around share buybacks and modest earnings revisions. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research on ZTO Express (Cayman) reflects a mix of views, but the consensus price target has edged slightly higher as some analysts focus on valuation support, capital returns, and earnings potential.
Narrative Update Apr 23

ZTO: Future Share Buybacks And Unit Economics Will Support Upside Potential

Analysts have nudged their price expectations for ZTO Express (Cayman) higher, lifting the updated fair value estimate to about $31.38 from roughly $31.00. Recent research highlights the impact of share buybacks, slightly stronger revenue and margin assumptions, and revised long term P/E expectations across the Street.
Narrative Update Apr 09

ZTO: Buybacks And Unit Economics Will Face Ongoing Execution And Growth Risks

Analysts lifted the fair value estimate for ZTO Express (Cayman) from about $21.10 to roughly $23.81. This reflects updated assumptions around slightly higher revenue growth, a modestly higher future P/E multiple, and recent research that highlights share buybacks and improved unit economics, even as some views turn more cautious.
Narrative Update Mar 25

ZTO: Future Share Repurchases And Unit Economics Will Support Upside Potential

Analysts have lifted the fair value estimate for ZTO Express (Cayman) by about $2 to roughly $31, as they factor in updated growth and margin assumptions alongside recent Street research that includes a higher $26 price target at BofA, an upgrade at Macquarie on better unit economics, and a downgrade at Daiwa reflecting more cautious views. Analyst Commentary Recent Street views on ZTO Express (Cayman) are mixed, but there is a clear pocket of optimism from bullish analysts who are leaning into share buybacks, earnings revisions, and improved unit economics as reasons to take a more constructive stance on the stock.
Seeking Alpha Mar 19

ZTO Express: A 'Buy' On Earnings Beat And Appealing Yield (Rating Upgrade)

Summary I've changed ZTO Express's rating from 'Hold' to 'Buy' after analyzing its financial performance and cash returns. ZTO's 4Q2025 EPS surpassed the consensus estimate by 5%, thanks to both external policy developments and internal self-help measures. ZTO's new capital allocation framework entails distributing at least half of its earnings to shareholders; this is better than the earlier minimum payout mandate of 40%. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
Narrative Update Mar 11

ZTO: Future Buybacks And Unit Economics Will Support Upside Potential

Analysts have nudged their price target on ZTO Express (Cayman) slightly higher to $29.03 from $28.84, citing updated fair value work that reflects ongoing share buybacks, a modest FY26 earnings uplift, and improved unit economics. Analyst Commentary Bullish analysts highlight that the latest fair value work leans on factors such as ongoing share buybacks, a 1% uplift to FY26 earnings expectations, and improved unit economics, which they see as supportive for the refreshed US$29.03 price target.
Narrative Update Feb 25

ZTO: Future Buybacks And Better Unit Economics Will Support Upside

Analysts now see fair value for ZTO Express (Cayman) nudging higher, with their price target moving from about $27.72 to roughly $28.84. This points to expectations for slightly better long term growth, profitability and P/E support, backed by recent price target raises tied to share buybacks and improved unit economics.
Narrative Update Feb 10

ZTO: Future Unit Economics Will Face Pressure From Execution Risks

Analysts have modestly lifted their fair value estimate for ZTO Express (Cayman) from about US$19.53 to roughly US$21.10 per share, citing Street research that points to stronger unit economics, slightly higher projected revenue growth and profit margins, and a marginally lower assumed future P/E multiple. Analyst Commentary Street research around ZTO Express (Cayman) has become more nuanced, with some highlighting better unit economics while others lean toward a more cautious stance on risks around execution, growth, and valuation.
Narrative Update Jan 27

ZTO: Future Buybacks Will Support Upside As Parcel Volumes Expand

Analysts have nudged their price target on ZTO Express (Cayman) slightly higher to reflect a fair value estimate of about $27.72, incorporating updated views on revenue, profit margins and an assumed future P/E multiple. What's in the News From July 1, 2025 to September 30, 2025, ZTO Express (Cayman) repurchased 2,020,008 shares, about 0.25% of its share base, for US$71.7 million under its ongoing buyback program (Key Developments).
Narrative Update Jan 13

ZTO: Buybacks And Stable Margins Will Support Fairly Valued Shares

Analysts have increased their price target for ZTO Express (Cayman) to US$23.87 from US$23.29, reflecting updated assumptions about modestly stronger revenue growth, profit margins, and a slightly higher future P/E multiple. What's in the News Completed share repurchases under the buyback announced on November 14, 2018, totaling 52,919,506 shares, or 6.5% of the company, for US$1.3b (Key Developments).
Analysis Article Jan 07

These 4 Measures Indicate That ZTO Express (Cayman) (NYSE:ZTO) Is Using Debt Reasonably Well

Some say volatility, rather than debt, is the best way to think about risk as an investor, but Warren Buffett famously...
Narrative Update Dec 28

ZTO Express Delivers Volume-Led Revenue Growth in Q3 2025, but Margin Pressure Weighs on Operating Performance

based on recent valaution
Narrative Update Dec 26

ZTO: Future Margin Gains And Buybacks Will Support Balanced Outlook

Analysts have modestly raised their price target for ZTO Express (Cayman) from approximately $17.52 to $19.53 per share, citing expectations for improved profit margins and a slightly lower future earnings multiple, despite a small reduction in projected revenue growth. What's in the News ZTO Express (Cayman) updated its 2018 share repurchase program, disclosing that between July 1 and September 30, 2025 it bought back 2,020,008 shares, or about 0.25% of shares outstanding, for approximately $71.7 million (company buyback filing).
Narrative Update Dec 12

ZTO: Future Parcel Volume Expansion And Buybacks Will Drive Upside Potential

The analyst price target for ZTO Express (Cayman) has been modestly reduced to approximately $27.26 from about $28.15, as analysts factor in slightly slower expected revenue growth and a higher discount rate, partly offset by improved profit margin forecasts and a lower assumed future P/E multiple. What's in the News Completed a major share repurchase program, buying back a total of 52,919,506 shares, about 6.5% of shares outstanding, for approximately $1.3 billion under the buyback first announced in November 2018 (company disclosure) Between July 1 and September 30, 2025, repurchased an additional 2,020,008 shares, roughly 0.25% of shares outstanding, for $71.7 million as the final tranche of the long running program (company disclosure) Issued 2025 parcel volume guidance of 38.2 billion to 38.7 billion parcels, implying year over year growth of 12.3% to 13.8% in shipment volume (company guidance) Scheduled a board meeting for November 19, 2025, to review and approve unaudited third quarter 2025 financial results and authorize their publication (board meeting notice) Valuation Changes Fair Value Estimate was reduced slightly from $28.15 to $27.26 per share, reflecting more conservative growth assumptions.
Narrative Update Nov 27

ZTO: Profit Margins Will Strengthen Despite Slower Volume Expansion

The analyst price target for ZTO Express (Cayman) decreased from $22 to $20, as analysts point to slower delivery volume growth and a scarcity of near-term consolidation opportunities in the market. Analyst Commentary Following recent data releases and industry developments, analysts have provided updated perspectives on ZTO Express (Cayman)'s near-term prospects.
Narrative Update Nov 13

ZTO: Profit Margins Will Remain Resilient Despite Volume Slowdown

The analyst average price target for ZTO Express (Cayman) was lowered slightly, down from $23.27 to $23.24, as analysts cite a slowdown in express delivery volume growth and limited near-term consolidation opportunities. Analyst Commentary Analysts provided further insight into ZTO Express (Cayman)'s recent price target revisions, noting a mix of positive execution signals and sector-specific headwinds influencing sentiment.
Narrative Update Oct 29

Sustained Profitability And Efficiency Will Drive Continued Market Outperformance

Narrative Update on ZTO Express (Cayman): Analyst Price Target Adjustment Analysts have marginally raised their price target for ZTO Express, increasing it from $23.22 to $23.27. This adjustment reflects sustained profitability, along with a cautious outlook due to slower express delivery volume growth and limited opportunities for near-term industry consolidation.
Narrative Update Oct 15

China's E-Commerce And Automation Will Secure Resilient Market Leadership

The analyst price target for ZTO Express (Cayman) has been reduced by $0.39, as analysts cite slower express delivery volume growth and a cautious outlook on near-term market opportunities. Analyst Commentary Analysts have adjusted their perspectives on ZTO Express (Cayman), weighing both the company's operational strengths and the challenges present in the current market environment.
Analysis Article Sep 27

Here's Why ZTO Express (Cayman) (NYSE:ZTO) Can Manage Its Debt Responsibly

The external fund manager backed by Berkshire Hathaway's Charlie Munger, Li Lu, makes no bones about it when he says...
Narrative Update Aug 27

China's E-Commerce And Automation Will Secure Resilient Market Leadership

Despite a notable decline in both future P/E and consensus revenue growth forecasts for ZTO Express (Cayman), the consensus analyst price target has edged up from $22.95 to $23.58. What's in the News Company completed buyback of 50,899,498 shares (6.24%) for $1,228.3 million; no additional shares repurchased in recent quarter.
Analysis Article Aug 22

Earnings Miss: ZTO Express (Cayman) Inc. Missed EPS By 17% And Analysts Are Revising Their Forecasts

Last week, you might have seen that ZTO Express (Cayman) Inc. ( NYSE:ZTO ) released its interim result to the market...
Analysis Article Jul 07

ZTO Express (Cayman) Inc.'s (NYSE:ZTO) Low P/E No Reason For Excitement

ZTO Express (Cayman) Inc.'s ( NYSE:ZTO ) price-to-earnings (or "P/E") ratio of 11x might make it look like a buy right...
Analysis Article Jun 19

Investors Will Want ZTO Express (Cayman)'s (NYSE:ZTO) Growth In ROCE To Persist

There are a few key trends to look for if we want to identify the next multi-bagger. Ideally, a business will show two...
Seeking Alpha Mar 25

ZTO Express: Still Lack Of Strategic Clarity - Maintain 'Hold'

Summary ZTO Express' Q4 2024 results showed double-digit growth in revenue, gross profit, and adjusted net income, but parcel volume growth lagged behind the industry. Persistent strategic ambiguity and intense competition in China's express delivery market limit ZTO's potential for market re-rating, justifying a "hold" rating. Despite increasing ASP and higher margins, ZTO's market share declined, reflecting management's struggle to balance profitability and volume growth. At current prices, ZTO is fairly valued with limited upside, trading at a 30% discount to UPS due to a less favorable competitive environment. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
User avatar
New Narrative Nov 24

Decisive Innovations In E-commerce Partnerships And IT Systems To Fuel Logistics Growth

Strategic partnerships and service differentiation efforts aim to boost parcel volume, enhance pricing power, and drive revenue growth.
Seeking Alpha Nov 22

ZTO Express: Expect An Extended Price War, Downgrade To Hold

Summary ZTO Express faces ongoing challenges balancing profitability and growth amid a prolonged price war in China's express delivery industry, impacting its market share and financial outlook. Despite a 17.6% revenue increase and 23.2% gross profit growth in Q3 2024, ZTO's market share contracted by 2.2% year-over-year. Management's inconsistent strategy and vague future plans raise doubts about achieving a balance between quality, volume growth, and profitability. I am downgrading ZTO to a "hold" rating. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
Seeking Alpha Nov 06

ZTO Express: A Mix Of Positives And Negatives

Summary I am anticipating mixed results for ZTO in Q3 2024; my view is that ZTO would have registered faster revenue growth and margin contraction for the recent quarter. ZTO Express' long-term prospects are also mixed, as the Chinese express delivery sector is still expected to grow in the future, albeit at a more modest pace. I retain a Hold rating for ZTO stock, as there is a mix of positives and negatives associated with the stock. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
Seeking Alpha Aug 22

ZTO Express: Expecting Accelerating Volume Growth In H2

Summary ZTO Express' Q2 earnings show market share loss and focus on volume growth. Management shifts priority to volume growth to regain market share, aiming for an 18% growth rate in the second half of 2024. Financial projections indicate ZTO is undervalued, but short-term risk of margin decline due to an aggressive pricing strategy. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
Seeking Alpha Jun 12

ZTO Express: Still Undervalued Despite Unexpected Market Share Loss

Summary Unexpected market share decline in 2024. Continued price war impacting all major players in China's express delivery industry. Financial projections and valuation updated, still showing potential for a 46% upside in two years. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
Seeking Alpha Mar 25

ZTO Express: Getting Better And Cheaper

Summary ZTO Express reported strong Q4 2023 results, with total revenues increasing by 7.6% and adjusted net income increasing by 4.4% year over year. The company expanded its market share by 0.8 percentage points to 22.9% and improved its operating margin by 4.1%. ZTO Express announced a 68% increase in cash dividend for FY 2023 and approved an increase of $500 million for share repurchases. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
Seeking Alpha Feb 19

ZTO Express: Expecting In-Line Fourth Quarter Results

Summary ZTO Express' revenue growth is expected to accelerate in Q4 2023, taking into account industry volume growth numbers and the company's market share data disclosures. ZTO's pace of earnings expansion is likely to be slower for the fourth quarter, considering both pricing pressure and a reduced potential for meaningful cost improvement. I anticipate that the Company's results to be released next month will be in line with consensus; I stick to my existing Hold rating, as I don't expect any positive surprises. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha

Shareholder Returns

ZTOUS LogisticsUS Market
7D-3.2%3.1%1.0%
1Y35.6%37.3%28.7%

Return vs Industry: ZTO exceeded the US Logistics industry which returned 33.1% over the past year.

Return vs Market: ZTO exceeded the US Market which returned 27.1% over the past year.

Price Volatility

Is ZTO's price volatile compared to industry and market?
ZTO volatility
ZTO Average Weekly Movement3.9%
Logistics Industry Average Movement8.3%
Market Average Movement7.2%
10% most volatile stocks in US Market16.4%
10% least volatile stocks in US Market3.1%

Stable Share Price: ZTO has not had significant price volatility in the past 3 months compared to the US market.

Volatility Over Time: ZTO's weekly volatility (4%) has been stable over the past year.

About the Company

FoundedEmployeesCEOWebsite
200223,399Meisong Laiwww.zto.com

ZTO Express (Cayman) Inc. provides express delivery and other value-added logistics services in the People's Republic of China. It also offers less-than-truckload (LTL) logistics services; integrated logistics solutions for warehousing, distribution, and transportation; and freight forwarding services. The company was founded in 2002 and is headquartered in Shanghai, the People's Republic of China.

ZTO Express (Cayman) Inc. Fundamentals Summary

How do ZTO Express (Cayman)'s earnings and revenue compare to its market cap?
ZTO fundamental statistics
Market capUS$17.47b
Earnings (TTM)US$1.35b
Revenue (TTM)US$7.58b
13.0x
P/E Ratio
2.3x
P/S Ratio

Earnings & Revenue

Key profitability statistics from the latest earnings report (TTM)
ZTO income statement (TTM)
RevenueCN¥51.49b
Cost of RevenueCN¥38.67b
Gross ProfitCN¥12.82b
Other ExpensesCN¥3.61b
EarningsCN¥9.21b

Last Reported Earnings

Mar 31, 2026

Next Earnings Date

n/a

Earnings per share (EPS)12.03
Gross Margin24.89%
Net Profit Margin17.88%
Debt/Equity Ratio34.1%

How did ZTO perform over the long term?

See historical performance and comparison

Dividends

3.0%
Current Dividend Yield
42%
Payout Ratio

Company Analysis and Financial Data Status

DataLast Updated (UTC time)
Company Analysis2026/05/22 09:37
End of Day Share Price 2026/05/22 00:00
Earnings2026/03/31
Annual Earnings2025/12/31

Data Sources

The data used in our company analysis is from S&P Global Market Intelligence LLC. The following data is used in our analysis model to generate this report. Data is normalised which can introduce a delay from the source being available.

PackageDataTimeframeExample US Source *
Company Financials10 years
  • Income statement
  • Cash flow statement
  • Balance sheet
Analyst Consensus Estimates+3 years
  • Forecast financials
  • Analyst price targets
Market Prices30 years
  • Stock prices
  • Dividends, Splits and Actions
Ownership10 years
  • Top shareholders
  • Insider trading
Management10 years
  • Leadership team
  • Board of directors
Key Developments10 years
  • Company announcements

* Example for US securities, for non-US equivalent regulatory forms and sources are used.

Unless specified all financial data is based on a yearly period but updated quarterly. This is known as Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) or Last Twelve Month (LTM) Data. Learn more.

Analysis Model and Snowflake

Details of the analysis model used to generate this report is available on our Github page, we also have guides on how to use our reports and tutorials on Youtube.

Learn about the world class team who designed and built the Simply Wall St analysis model.

Industry and Sector Metrics

Our industry and section metrics are calculated every 6 hours by Simply Wall St, details of our process are available on Github.

Analyst Sources

ZTO Express (Cayman) Inc. is covered by 32 analysts. 21 of those analysts submitted the estimates of revenue or earnings used as inputs to our report. Analysts submissions are updated throughout the day.

AnalystInstitution
Cherry LeungBernstein
Fan TsoBofA Global Research
Y. ChenCCB International Securities Limited