STO Express' parcel volume grew 15.8% year over year in the first half of 2026, outpacing the industry's 5%, supported by the Danniao acquisition. Unit express revenue rose 12.1%, faster than 10% in unit express costs. Unit core EBIT grew 82%, driven by industrywide price hikes in economy express.
STO Express is one of the Tongda operators, one of the top four national express delivery companies that adopt the network partner model. Tongda operators provide line-haul transportation, sorting, and waybill services to network partners for fees, while local network partners provide first-mile pickup and last-mile delivery services under the Tongda brands and collect the payments. STO was founded in 1993 by Nie Tengfei. His widow's brother, Chen Dejun, is now chair. The family held over 34% of the company as of Sept. 30, 2024. STO’s strategic shareholder is Cainiao Smart Logistics Network with a 25% stake. Alibaba can exercise its share options to purchase an additional 21% of STO from the family before Dec. 27, 2025, at CNY 16.50 per share.