Summary of Expeditors International of Washington (EXPD) Update / Briefing July 29, 2025 Company and Industry Overview - **Company**: Expeditors International of Washington (EXPD) - **Industry**: Air Cargo and Logistics Key Points and Arguments Air Market Dynamics - The air market update focuses on the Americas, discussing capacity, demand, and geopolitical influences affecting air cargo [6][7] - Global air capacity grew by 4% in the first half of 2025 compared to 2024, with a notable 44% increase on the Transpacific route [8][9] - Freighter capacity specifically saw a decline of 3% in both directions between Asia and the US, while freighter deployment to Europe increased by 8% [11][12] - The ecommerce sector is experiencing a shift, with a significant reduction in ecommerce volumes flying into the US due to the end of de minimis exemptions [29][30] Geopolitical and Trade Influences - Geopolitical tensions and trade barriers are reshaping air cargo routes, with a notable shift from US-bound cargo to Europe and Southeast Asia [36][38] - The ongoing trade negotiations and tariff changes are creating uncertainty, impacting supply chains and air freight demand [47][61] - The Chinese economy is facing multiple headwinds, affecting its trade relationships and demand for air cargo services [51][52] Capacity and Demand Trends - The demand for air freight has been healthy, with a 6.6% growth in global air demand in Q1 2025, but is expected to level off to around 3-4% for the rest of the year [21][24] - The inventory-to-sales ratio is a critical indicator, with lower inventory levels indicating higher demand for air freight [23] - Vietnam has emerged as a significant exporter to the US, with a 55% growth in the first five months of 2025 compared to 2024, driven by the tech sector [44][45] Future Outlook - The expectation for new aircraft deliveries has been pushed back to 2027-2028, leading to an aging fleet and increased maintenance needs [19][20] - The air cargo market is expected to continue adjusting to shifting trade patterns, with potential increases in rates for US outbound cargo if demand rises without corresponding capacity [84][85] - The geopolitical landscape is likely to remain volatile, impacting global supply chains and air freight dynamics [75][76] Other Important Insights - The webinar highlighted the importance of adapting to changing trade policies and the need for companies to reassess their supply chain strategies in light of geopolitical tensions [58][60] - The discussion emphasized the role of ecommerce in driving air cargo demand and the challenges faced by companies in navigating regulatory changes [29][30][31] - The potential for increased investment in infrastructure, particularly in Vietnam, to support growing demand was noted as a positive development [45][46]

Core Insights - FedEx reported strong fourth-quarter fiscal 2025 results, beating both earnings and revenue estimates, but provided a dismal outlook, leading to a more than 5% drop in shares after market close [1][3] Financial Performance - Earnings per share for FedEx were $6.07, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $5.93 and improving from $5.41 a year ago [3] - Revenues increased by 0.5% year over year to $22.2 billion, exceeding the consensus estimate of $21.7 billion [3] Future Outlook - For the first quarter of fiscal 2026, FedEx expects revenues to be flat or increase by up to 2%, with adjusted earnings per share projected between $3.40 and $4.00 [4] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenues indicates a growth of 0.21%, while the estimate for earnings per share is $4.05 [4] - FedEx did not provide earnings and revenue forecasts for fiscal 2026 due to uncertainties surrounding U.S. trade policies, particularly with China [5] Cost Management - FedEx achieved its $4 billion cost-cutting goal and aims to trim an additional $1 billion in the upcoming fiscal year [5] ETF Impact - The sluggish trading is expected to affect ETFs with high allocations to FedEx, including ProShares Supply Chain Logistics ETF, iShares U.S. Transportation ETF, First Trust Nasdaq Transportation ETF, and Pacer Industrials and Logistics ETF [2] ETF Details - ProShares Supply Chain Logistics ETF holds 40 stocks, with FedEx accounting for 4.6% of assets, and has an asset base of $0.9 million [6][7] - iShares U.S. Transportation ETF includes 44 securities, with FedEx making up 4.5% of assets and has $657.1 million in AUM [8][9] - First Trust Nasdaq Transportation ETF tracks 38 transportation securities, with FedEx accounting for 3.6% of the basket and has an asset base of $28.4 million [10][11] - Pacer Industrials and Logistics ETF tracks 109 stocks, with FedEx representing 3.1% of the holdings and has accumulated $1.6 million in assets [12][13]

Core Viewpoint - New Century Logistics (BVI) Limited has signed a Letter of Intent to acquire 51% of Asiatic Logistics Limited, aiming to enhance its presence in Asia and develop a comprehensive global logistics ecosystem [1][2] Group 1: Acquisition Details - The acquisition of 51% equity in Asiatic represents a strategic upgrade from previous cooperation, focusing on shared benefits and operational synergies [2] - The specifics of the acquisition, including purchase price and payment terms, will be finalized in a formal agreement considering Asiatic's financial performance and market conditions [4] Group 2: Strategic Importance - The acquisition is expected to strengthen New Century's position in the Asian market, particularly by leveraging Asiatic's established network and services in Japan and Southeast Asia [6] - New Century plans to designate Japan as a key strategic hub, enhancing regional and transcontinental operations [5] Group 3: Operational Synergies - The integration of Asiatic's operations with New Century's existing routes will create a seamless logistics corridor connecting Asia, Europe, and the Middle East [6] - Collaboration will include sharing resources such as warehousing and transportation, optimizing costs and improving market penetration [6] Group 4: Future Plans - New Century aims to develop customized e-commerce logistics products in response to the growth of the Japanese cross-border e-commerce market, offering expedited logistics services [11] - The company plans to enhance digital capabilities by integrating its supply chain visualization system with Asiatic's management platform for improved cargo tracking and efficiency [11]

Summary of CSX Conference Call Company and Industry Overview - **Company**: CSX Corporation - **Industry**: Rail Transportation Key Points and Arguments 1. **Operational Challenges**: CSX faced significant headwinds in 2025 due to the Blue Ridge subdivision rebuild and the Howard Street Tunnel project, impacting performance in the first quarter [19][22][27] 2. **Volume Recovery**: Despite challenges, CSX reported some of the highest volume levels of the year, with improvements in operations and network fluidity [19][23][28] 3. **Revenue Miss**: In the first quarter, CSX missed approximately $100 million in revenue opportunities due to operational inefficiencies [30] 4. **Capacity and Growth**: CSX anticipates low to mid-single-digit volume growth over the next three years without significant new infrastructure investments [32][89] 5. **Tariff Impacts**: The recent pause in reciprocal tariffs with China is expected to lead to a surge in preshipping, although an air pocket in freight volumes is anticipated in the short term [8][34][36] 6. **Market Outlook**: CSX remains optimistic about the second half of 2025 and 2026, driven by strong industrial development opportunities and new business wins [26][38] 7. **Coal and Fertilizer Demand**: Coal volumes increased by 6% quarter-to-date, driven by both domestic demand and export opportunities, while fertilizer volumes rose by 12% due to recovery from previous disruptions [53][60] 8. **Intermodal Growth**: Intermodal services have shown double-digit growth year-to-date, attributed to international demand and strong service performance [62][64] 9. **Employee Efficiency**: CSX is focusing on maintaining flat employee levels while improving efficiency, with a current workforce of 23,000 [93] 10. **Cost Management**: The company is managing labor inflation effectively, with overall labor costs running below 3% due to cost-sharing models in health benefits [47][71] Additional Important Insights 1. **Service Improvements**: CSX has improved trip plan compliance to over 80%, up from the 60% range earlier in the year, indicating better operational performance [25] 2. **Technology Investments**: The company is investing in advanced analytics and AI to enhance operational efficiency and decision-making capabilities [81] 3. **Long-term Projects**: The Howard Street Tunnel and Blue Ridge projects are on track, with expected completion in late 2025, which will enhance capacity and operational efficiency [66][68] 4. **Pricing Environment**: CSX is experiencing stable pricing dynamics, with pricing growth exceeding inflation, particularly in the chemicals and merchandise sectors [71][73] 5. **Future Projections**: CSX anticipates a significant reduction in costs related to rerouting and weather impacts as projects are completed, setting the stage for improved margins and earnings growth in 2026 [95][96]

FedEx (FDX) 2025 Conference Summary Company Overview - **Company**: FedEx Corporation - **Event**: 32nd Annual BofA Industrial Transportation and Airlines Key Leaders Conference - **Date**: May 12, 2025 - **Speakers**: John Dietrich (EVP and CFO), Brie Carrera (EVP and Chief Customer Officer), and the FedEx IR team Key Points Industry Context - FedEx is navigating a challenging economic backdrop, particularly in the B2B sector, which is experiencing recessionary pressures, while B2C remains strong with positive consumer sentiment [20][18] - The company is adapting to recent tariff agreements with China, which are expected to impact shipping volumes and customer behavior [21][23] Strategic Initiatives - **Drive Program**: FedEx has successfully improved operating income (OI) despite revenue declines, showcasing effective cost management and commercial discipline [13][14] - **Network 2.0**: The initiative aims to achieve $2 billion in savings, with a focus on integrating operations without disrupting service levels [92][93] - **Tricolor Achievements**: This program is designed to optimize asset allocation across different freight types, targeting a $80 billion market opportunity [51] Customer Relationships - FedEx has re-engaged with Amazon as a customer for the first time since 2019, focusing on profitable large package deliveries, which will enhance average weight per package and yield [66][70] - The company emphasizes its strong relationships with small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), maintaining a direct sales approach that supports over 90% of its revenue [108][109] Financial Performance - FedEx reported that its customer base generates approximately $2 trillion in gross merchandise value (GMV) across 2.5 million customers [16] - The company is on track to deliver $2.2 billion in savings for FY25 as part of its ongoing Drive initiative, despite facing inflationary pressures and operational challenges [90][91] Market Dynamics - The recent tariff changes are expected to create a temporary pause in shipping as customers reassess their strategies, particularly concerning inventory management ahead of the holiday season [26][27] - FedEx's international revenue is primarily driven by U.S. domestic operations, with 75% of revenue coming from domestic sources [40] Operational Challenges - The end of the de minimis exemption for low-value shipments from China is anticipated to significantly impact e-commerce volumes, particularly for small businesses [41][44] - FedEx is actively working to assist customers in navigating the complexities of new tariff regulations and compliance requirements [59][61] Future Outlook - FedEx is optimistic about its growth trajectory, particularly in Europe, where it aims to leverage its ground capabilities to improve service levels and profitability [120][122] - The company is focused on technological advancements to streamline operations and enhance customer service, including a shift towards a unified IT infrastructure [100][102] Additional Insights - FedEx's competitive advantage lies in its extensive global network and ability to adapt quickly to changing market conditions, which is crucial for maintaining customer trust and operational efficiency [17][50] - The company is committed to continuous improvement and innovation, ensuring that it remains a leader in the logistics and transportation industry [106][107]