ZTO Express Inc.'s stock surged 5.90% during the pre-market session, driven by the company's release of better-than-expected fourth-quarter financial results and the announcement of enhanced shareholder returns.

The Chinese express delivery leader reported adjusted earnings of $0.47 per American Depositary Share (ADS) for Q4 2025, surpassing analyst forecasts. Revenue for the quarter climbed to $2.075 billion, also exceeding consensus estimates and demonstrating robust growth in parcel volume and pricing. The strong performance was attributed to effective cost management and a favorable shift in industry competition dynamics.

Further fueling investor optimism, ZTO's board declared a semi-annual cash dividend of $0.39 per share and, more significantly, authorized a new share repurchase program worth up to $1.5 billion over the next 24 months. This enhanced capital return plan, targeting an annual return of no less than 50% of prior-year adjusted net income, signals strong confidence in the company's financial health and future prospects.