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XPO(XPO) - 2024 Q4 - Annual Report

Company Overview - XPO has approximately 38,000 employees serving around 55,000 customers across 614 locations in 17 countries as of December 31, 2024[16]. - Approximately 60% of XPO's revenue in 2024 was generated in North America, with 16% in France, 13% in the U.K., and 11% in the rest of Europe[46]. - The company has approximately 23,100 employees in North America, 14,500 in Europe, and 400 in Asia, with a total of about 61% of global employees based in North America[63]. - The company operates 614 locations globally, with 369 in North America and 239 in Europe as of December 31, 2024[165][166]. Financial Performance - Consolidated revenue for 2024 increased by 4.2% to $8.1 billion, compared to $7.7 billion in 2023[185]. - Net income for 2024 was $387 million, up from $189 million in 2023, indicating improved profitability[184]. - Operating income rose to $660 million in 2024, compared to $438 million in 2023, reflecting an increase in operating efficiency[184]. - Revenue in the North American LTL segment increased by 4.9% to $4.9 billion in 2024, including fuel surcharge revenue of $785 million[205]. - Revenue in the European Transportation segment increased by 3.3% to $3.173 billion in 2024, compared to $3.073 billion in 2023[212]. - Adjusted EBITDA for the North American LTL segment increased to $1,115 million in 2024, compared to $864 million in 2023[204]. - Adjusted EBITDA decreased to $158 million in 2024 from $163 million in 2023, primarily due to higher transportation costs and employee benefits[213]. - The effective income tax rate decreased to 18.1% in 2024 from 26.0% in 2023, driven by a one-time tax benefit of $41 million[200]. Operational Efficiency - The company achieved a full-year yield growth of 7.8% in 2024, driven by service improvements and expansion of accessorial services[44]. - XPO reduced its cost of third-party purchased transportation by over 32% in 2024 compared to 2023, lowering outsourced linehaul miles to 14.7% of total[45]. - The company added more than 4,400 trailers and 2,300 tractors in 2024, reducing the average tractor age to approximately 4.1 years[44]. - The company is focusing on enhancing network operating efficiencies and driving growth in its North American LTL business through various initiatives, including expanding its tractor fleet and improving customer service[98]. Employee and Community Engagement - The company graduated over 650 students from its LTL driver training locations in 2024, providing tuition-free training and pay during the program[81]. - The total permanent workforce expanded by 0.2% year-over-year, resulting in a net increase of 95 new permanent employees across North American and European operations[84]. - The company provided up to $5,250 in annual tuition reimbursement for continuing education and offered various family bonding policies, including up to six weeks of paid time off for primary caregivers[85]. - The company donated more than $115,000 worth of school supplies to local kids and supported various community outreach initiatives in 2024[87]. - The company has been recognized as a 2024 "Top Company for Women to Work for in Transportation – Elite 30" by the Women in Trucking Association[76]. Risks and Challenges - Economic recessions and fluctuations in freight volumes in North America and Europe pose significant risks to the company's financial performance[96]. - The company may face challenges in managing its growth effectively, which could adversely affect its business and financial condition[104]. - Labor disputes and difficulties in attracting and retaining qualified drivers could adversely affect revenues and profitability, particularly in North America and Europe[136]. - The company is involved in multiple lawsuits that could result in significant expenditures and impact operations, with potential claims exceeding insurance coverage[142]. - Changes in income tax regulations may increase the company's tax liability, affecting cash flows and financial condition[147]. - Regulatory compliance and emissions-control regulations could substantially increase operating expenses and negatively impact business operations[148]. Acquisitions and Growth Strategy - XPO completed the acquisition of 28 service centers from Yellow Corporation in December 2023, enhancing its capacity in key freight markets[20][26]. - The company acquired 26 LTL service centers and assumed leases for two additional locations in December 2023 as part of the Yellow Asset Acquisition[178]. - The company has experienced rapid growth and plans to continue focusing on organic growth and acquisitions, which may strain its operational and financial resources[103]. Technology and Innovation - The company is committed to improving its technology and operational capabilities to support its growth strategy[89]. - The company is developing proprietary information technology, which may face cost overruns or delays, potentially disrupting operations[122]. - The company operates a robust information security program to mitigate risks from cyberattacks, but breaches could still materially affect its business[125]. - The company employs a robust cybersecurity program overseen by its Chief Information Officer to manage risks from cybersecurity threats[161][162]. Market Conditions - The overall freight environment remains recessionary, but the company sees growth potential in major markets and plans to invest in capacity for long-term expansion[180]. - The North American LTL segment holds approximately 9% market share in a $52 billion industry in 2023, moving about 18 billion pounds of freight through its network in 2024[18][19]. - Changes in U.S. trade policy and tariffs could negatively impact the company's operations and customer demand[101]. - A significant portion of the company's net assets and income is in non-U.S. dollar currencies, primarily the euro and British pound, exposing it to currency exchange rate fluctuations[113].