Meituan’s Recent Momentum and Strategic Moves
Meituan, the Chinese e‑commerce giant known for its “deal‑of‑the‑day” vouchers, has demonstrated a robust performance in both consumer demand and corporate strategy in late November 2025. The company’s share price closed at HKD 98.25 on 24 November, a level well below its 52‑week low of HKD 94.05 but comfortably positioned above the 2025‑March high of HKD 189.6. With a market capitalization of roughly HKD 597 billion and a price‑to‑earnings ratio of 18.97, investors are closely watching how the firm’s recent initiatives translate into revenue growth and margin expansion.
Surge in Healthcare‑Related Demand
On 26 November, Meituan Maiyao reported a more than 1‑fold increase in orders for “wonder drugs” targeting Influenza A and B since November. The platform has seen a sustained rise in the consumption of flu‑related medicines, rapid‑test kits, and online consultations. This trend has been especially pronounced in Northeast, North, and Northwest China, where demand reached a peak, while Southwest and South China are experiencing rapid growth. The uptick reflects both seasonal influenza cycles and heightened consumer comfort with telehealth and e‑pharmacy services—an area where Meituan’s existing logistics infrastructure can deliver a competitive advantage.
Expansion into Rider Housing
In a complementary move, Meituan‑W (the company’s delivery‑logistics arm) began construction of rider apartments on 21 November. The first group of 600 delivery riders has already moved into the new units, and the company will offer rental subsidies to help offset housing costs. This initiative aims to improve rider retention, reduce turnover, and enhance service reliability—factors that are critical for maintaining the efficiency of Meituan’s food‑delivery and last‑mile logistics network. The housing project also signals the firm’s broader commitment to employee welfare, which can improve brand perception and operational stability.
Market Context and Investor Sentiment
The broader Hong Kong market reflected positive sentiment in the wake of these developments. The Hang Seng Index closed above 26,000 for the first time in several days, while the Hang Seng Technology Index rose modestly. Meituan’s shares gained over 5 % on 26 November, benefiting from both the company‑specific catalysts and a general uplift in Asian equities driven by expectations of U.S. Federal Reserve rate cuts. Analysts noted that the firm’s diversified revenue base—from vouchers to logistics, healthcare, and now rider housing—positions it well to weather macroeconomic headwinds.
Financial Outlook
While specific quarterly figures were not disclosed in the press releases, Meituan’s strategic moves suggest a focus on higher‑margin services (healthcare, logistics, and rider welfare) that complement its core voucher business. The company’s strong cash position, combined with its ability to leverage its vast user base and distribution network, should enable it to sustain growth trajectories even in a competitive market landscape.
In sum, Meituan’s recent announcements of a significant rise in flu‑drug orders and the launch of rider housing projects underscore a dual strategy: expanding into high‑growth verticals while strengthening the backbone of its delivery ecosystem. Investors and market observers will likely keep a close eye on how these initiatives influence both revenue streams and cost structures in the coming quarters.
