Group 1 - The China International Import Expo (CIIE) emphasizes green and sustainable development, showcasing companies that integrate low-carbon concepts throughout the production and consumption chain [1] - Metro Group highlights its sustainable procurement strategy by presenting traceable products, including MSC-certified tuna cans and FSC-certified packaging [1] - The logistics industry accounts for approximately 9% of China's total carbon emissions, indicating significant potential for green development in logistics and supply chain sectors [2] Group 2 - Nippon Express aims for net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, recognizing the logistics sector's crucial role in global greenhouse gas reduction [2] - FedEx prioritizes sustainability as a core strategy, targeting carbon-neutral operations by 2040, with initiatives including vehicle electrification and the use of sustainable aviation fuel [3] - FedEx is also focusing on clean energy applications, such as green roofs and solar facilities, and promotes paperless operations and recyclable materials in daily operations [3]

Core Insights - FedEx views India as a key innovation hub, leveraging local expertise and data from over 17 million daily shipments to enhance global supply chains [1][17] - The company collaborates with local SMEs, treating them as co-creators in developing digital tools that simplify international shipping and improve operational efficiency [4][6] Innovation and Technology - The FedEx Import Tool (FiT) was developed in India to streamline international shipping for SMEs, incorporating features like predictive logistics and automated tracking based on user feedback [5][6] - AI and data analytics are integral to FedEx's operations, with initiatives like a digital twin of the network and the Global Delivery Prediction Platform (GDPP) enhancing service delivery and operational efficiency for SMEs [7][9][15] Collaboration and Partnerships - FedEx collaborates with institutions like IIT Bombay and IIT Madras to research applications in demand forecasting and sustainable logistics [1][15] - The integration with Salesforce Data Cloud has improved customer engagement and operational efficiency, resulting in a significant increase in activation rates and ROI [10][18] Global Scaling of Local Innovations - FedEx emphasizes the importance of scaling local innovations globally while ensuring reliability and compliance, utilizing strong data governance and modular technology designs [11][12][18] - The last-mile delivery optimization software, developed in India, exemplifies successful local innovation that has been deployed globally, showcasing the collaborative efforts of international teams [13][18] Practical Applications and Solutions - FedEx Innovation Lab (FIL) collaborates with digital start-ups to develop technologies that enhance automated processes, addressing modern supply chain needs [15][17] - The FedEx One Stop Shop (FOSS) simplifies global shipping by integrating various services into a single platform, improving transparency for SMEs [16][17]

Core Insights - FedEx reported a global direct and indirect economic impact of $126 billion for fiscal year 2025, showcasing its significant role in driving innovation and supporting global commerce [1][2][3] Economic Impact - The company contributed 6.6% to the U.S. Transportation and Warehousing sector's total net economic output and indirectly added $7.8 billion to the overall U.S. economy in FY25 [5] Operational Enhancements - FedEx optimized its operations by integrating its surface network into a single transportation system and redesigning its international air network to align with global trade flows [3] - Major investments included the completion of an automated secondary sort facility in Memphis and a new Life Science Center in the Netherlands [3] Trade and Supply Chain - FedEx's expertise in customs brokerage and understanding of global supply chains positions it as a valuable trade partner, helping customers navigate changing regulations and trade patterns [3] - In calendar year 2024, 90% of FedEx's 100,000 suppliers were small- and medium-sized businesses, supporting numerous jobs [3] Intelligent Innovation - The company is leveraging its industrial network and data to develop AI-driven tools that modernize operations and streamline international shipping processes [3] - FedEx expanded its AI-driven digital brokerage solutions to enhance customs clearance experiences and reduce delays [3] Community and Sustainability Efforts - FedEx contributed $55.5 million to nonprofit initiatives and dedicated over 81,000 volunteer hours in FY25, demonstrating its commitment to community support [10] - The company is advancing towards carbon-neutral operations by 2040, with significant investments in renewable energy and sustainable aviation fuel [10]

Core Insights - FedEx's stock performance has shown resilience, with a recent increase of +1.25% to $241.15, outperforming the S&P 500's daily gain of 0.79% [1] - The upcoming earnings disclosure is anticipated to reveal an EPS of $3.99, reflecting a 1.48% decline year-over-year, while revenue is expected to rise by 4.18% to $22.89 billion [2] - For the entire fiscal year, earnings are projected at $17.93 per share, indicating a -1.43% change, with revenue expected to reach $91.81 billion, marking a +4.42% increase [3] Analyst Estimates and Market Sentiment - Recent adjustments to analyst estimates for FedEx are crucial, as upward revisions indicate positive sentiment regarding the company's operational performance [4] - The Zacks Rank system, which evaluates estimate changes, currently assigns FedEx a rank of 4 (Sell), reflecting a 0.47% decrease in the consensus EPS projection over the past 30 days [6] Valuation Metrics - FedEx is trading at a Forward P/E ratio of 13.28, which is lower than the industry average of 13.47, suggesting a valuation discount [7] - The company has a PEG ratio of 1.33, compared to the industry average of 1.61, indicating a more favorable valuation relative to expected earnings growth [8] Industry Context - The Transportation - Air Freight and Cargo industry, which includes FedEx, is currently ranked 231 out of over 250 industries, placing it in the bottom 7% of the Zacks Industry Rank [9]

Group 1 - The market is currently favoring expensive stocks, with the S&P 500 trading at a forward PE of 25.5, indicating a preference for higher valuations [2] - This high valuation is not representative of most stocks, suggesting a divergence in market performance [2] Group 2 - iREIT+HOYA Capital focuses on income-producing asset classes, aiming for sustainable portfolio income, diversification, and inflation hedging [1]

Group 1 - The market is currently favoring expensive stocks, with the S&P 500 trading at a forward PE of 25.5, indicating a preference for higher valuation stocks [2] - It is noted that the high valuation of the S&P 500 does not represent the majority of stocks in the market, suggesting a divergence in stock performance [2] Group 2 - iREIT+HOYA Capital focuses on income-producing asset classes that provide sustainable portfolio income, diversification, and inflation hedging [1]

Group 1: Fund Performance - Longleaf Partners Fund returned -0.33% in Q3 2025, underperforming the S&P 500's 8.12% and the Russell 1000 Value's 5.33% [1] - The firm is dissatisfied with the portfolio's flat performance, focusing on investments in real assets and brands that generate growing free cash flow (FCF) per share [1] - The fund anticipates that its ~10x FCF multiple could rise to the mid-teens as management implements strategies to improve margins and increase share repurchases [1] Group 2: FedEx Corporation Overview - FedEx Corporation (NYSE:FDX) had a one-month return of 1.44% and a 52-week loss of 11.34%, closing at $238.17 per share with a market capitalization of $56.925 billion on October 23, 2025 [2] - The company is focused on operational improvements despite a challenging macro environment, with expectations for significant value realization from the separation of its Freight unit next year [3] Group 3: Investment Sentiment - FedEx Corporation is not among the 30 most popular stocks among hedge funds, with 67 hedge fund portfolios holding the stock at the end of Q2 2025, up from 62 in the previous quarter [4] - The company's revenue increased by 3% year-over-year, driven by strength in U.S. domestic package services [4] - While FedEx shows potential as an investment, certain AI stocks are considered to offer greater upside potential and less downside risk [4]

Core Insights - FedEx discontinued its partnership with Amazon in 2019 due to Amazon becoming a competitor in the last-mile delivery space [1] - Walmart is expanding its last-mile delivery capabilities through its app "Spark" and partnerships with gig economy workers [2] - Walmart is utilizing other last-mile carriers like Roadie and DoorDash, and is shifting intercity transportation to OnTrac to reduce costs [3] FedEx's Challenges - FedEx needs to reinvent its B2C delivery model to compete effectively, as its current B2B-focused network is not cost-effective for B2C deliveries [3] - The consumer preference for low-cost delivery options means that brand recognition is less important in the B2C market [4] - FedEx's contractor model, designed for larger B2B packages, incurs higher costs for smaller B2C parcels [5] Competitive Landscape - UPS faces challenges in the lightweight B2C parcel market due to high labor costs associated with its unionized workforce [6] - FedEx's contracted driver costs are lower than UPS, but it still struggles to compete with gig-based carriers that utilize crowd-sourced drivers [6]

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview: Global Logistics Core Insights and Arguments - **Deceleration in Demand**: Signs of deceleration in ocean and air freight demand are emerging as ocean volume growth slowed to +3% globally in August, with a significant decline of -12% in Transpacific Eastbound volumes [1][3]. Air freight volumes also showed a modest deceleration in September, likely due to the expiration of the de minimis exemption [5][23]. - **Pressure on Ocean Rates**: Ocean freight rates are at their lowest levels since 2023, with the SCFI down over 50% year-to-date [3][20]. Key indicators such as the SCFI and WCI have seen declines of 54% and 58% respectively [20]. - **Orderbook Expansion**: The container shipping orderbook grew by +6% in Q3, with new orders equivalent to 3.4% of the in-service fleet, indicating continued investment despite oversupply risks [4][21]. - **Airfreight Performance**: Airfreight demand grew by 4% in August, but the growth rate moderated in September, with revenues below last year's levels [5][23]. The expiration of the US de minimis exemption is expected to impact future demand [23]. - **Surface Freight Outlook**: U.S. surface rates contracted in June and are expected to remain flat or decline in the second half of the year due to a softer freight outlook [6][24]. Additional Important Insights - **Global Trade Volumes**: Global trade volumes increased by 4.9% YoY in July, driven by a 6% rise in emerging market exports, while U.S. and European exports remained largely unchanged [2][18]. - **PMI Indicators**: September PMIs showed an increase in China (+0.7pt to 51.2) and the U.S. (+0.4pt to 49.1), while Europe saw a decrease for the first time this year (-0.9pt to 49.8) [2][18]. - **Market Sentiment**: The sentiment in the logistics sector remains weak, with companies expressing pessimism regarding international ocean demand and potential challenges in achieving a meaningful peak season [3][19]. Company Ratings and Valuations Key Company Ratings - **DSV**: Rated Outperform with a target price of DKK 1,700. Expected to become the largest freight forwarder post-acquisition of DB Schenker [9]. - **DHL**: Rated Outperform with a target price of €42.00. Strongly levered to e-commerce and world trade, with a solid long-term holding outlook [10]. - **Kuehne+Nagel**: Rated Market-Perform with a target price of CHF 165. Underperformance in volume growth noted, with execution issues impacting investor sentiment [11]. - **AP Moller - Maersk**: Rated Underperform with a target price of DKK 10,600. Facing challenges in container shipping with declining spot rates and a high orderbook [12]. Valuation Comparisons - **Valuation Metrics**: DSV shows a strong growth trajectory with an expected EPS of DKK 100+ by 2028, while Maersk's strategy has been criticized for failing to deliver promised synergies [9][12]. - **Market Cap and Share Buybacks**: DSV is projected to repurchase DKK 24 billion of shares annually, compared to its current market cap of DKK 310,654 million [9]. Conclusion The global logistics industry is experiencing a notable deceleration in demand across both ocean and air freight sectors, with significant pressure on rates and a growing orderbook despite oversupply risks. Companies like DSV and DHL are positioned favorably, while others like Maersk face challenges. The overall sentiment in the logistics sector remains cautious as companies navigate a complex market landscape.

Core Insights - FedEx announced the addition of five new weekly cargo flights connecting China and Paris, France, to enhance its global network coverage and support trade between Asia and Europe [1][2] - The new flights will help Asian businesses connect more quickly and reliably to European markets, especially during the peak holiday shopping season [1] - The flights will operate from FedEx's major hubs in Guangzhou and Shanghai, using Boeing 777 freighters to link to the FedEx European hub at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris [1] Group 1 - The new flights reflect FedEx's commitment to promoting trade development between Asia and Europe, facilitating logistics for sectors such as e-commerce, manufacturing, high-tech, and retail [1] - In the first half of this year, China's total import and export volume with the EU reached 2.82 trillion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 3.5%, with the EU remaining China's second-largest trading partner [1] - The integration of supply chains between China and Europe is accelerating, with significant growth in exports of automotive parts, textiles, home appliances, and laptops from China to the EU [1] Group 2 - FedEx's China President highlighted the increasing importance of the European market in the global strategies of Chinese companies, emphasizing the need for enhanced logistics capabilities [2] - With the new flights, FedEx now operates 26 weekly flights from the Asia-Pacific region to Europe, with delivery times as fast as 48 hours to major European markets [2] - FedEx has established a robust logistics network in China with six operational centers and three major air logistics hubs in Europe, further strengthened by the recent opening of the Istanbul global air hub [2]