Core Insights - A significant decline in U.S. soybean exports to China is expected to affect various sectors beyond agriculture, including trucking, rail shipments, and port operations [1][2] - China's reduced soybean purchases are primarily due to ongoing trade tensions and high tariffs on U.S. soybeans, leading to a shift towards South American suppliers [2][3] Export Impact - In 2024, U.S. soybean exports to China were valued at approximately $12.8 billion, accounting for about 25% of total U.S. exports [3] - For the 2025–2026 crop year, China has not placed any new soybean orders, which poses a significant challenge as the peak harvest season approaches [3] Regional Effects - The impact of reduced exports will be particularly pronounced in major soybean-producing states such as Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, and Indiana, which collectively produce around half of the U.S. soybean crop [4] - Other key soybean-producing states include Nebraska, Missouri, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Arkansas, with most soybeans transported by rail to the Pacific Northwest for export [4][5] Supply Chain Consequences - The loss of China as a customer could have widespread repercussions throughout the supply chain, affecting warehouse workers, rail yard crews, longshoremen, and local businesses reliant on agricultural exports [5]

Strategic Initiatives - Union Pacific 致力于在最高政府层面创建一个横跨东西海岸的货运铁路巨头 [1] - Union Pacific 旨在从卡车运输行业获取货运量 [1]

Group 1 - Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE:UNP) announced ratified agreements with 11 unions covering 12 crafts, representing 46% of its craft workforce [2] - The five-year contracts include wage hikes effective July 1, 2025, expanded vacation, enhanced health and welfare benefits, and updated work rules [2] - Interim deals granting 3% pay raises starting September 1 were provided to two of the largest unions, SMART-TD and BLET, as a reward for employees [3] Group 2 - Union Pacific Corporation operates freight rail services across 23 western U.S. states, connecting customers to the global economy with efficient and environmentally responsible transportation [4] - The company is recognized as one of the Best Roth IRA Stocks to invest in [4]

Financial Performance - South Africa's state-owned ports and freight rail operator reported a narrower annual loss [1] Operational Performance - Cargo volumes boosted [1]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net earnings for Q3 2025 were $60.1 million or $1.86 per share, showing an increase both sequentially and year-over-year [4] - Revenue reached $843 million, improving by 11% sequentially [21] - Aggregate gross margin remained robust at 18%, marking the seventh consecutive quarter at or above the mid-teens long-term target [4][22] - Return on invested capital (ROIC) was 12.9%, within the target range of 10% to 14% [23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The manufacturing gross margin for Q3 was 13.6%, steady from Q2 [11] - Leasing and Fleet Management achieved nearly $165 million in recurring revenue over the last four quarters, representing nearly 50% growth from two years ago [12] - Fleet utilization remained high at 98%, with modest growth in the leased fleet [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Greenbrier secured orders for 3,900 new railcars worth over $500 million in the quarter, with a global new railcar backlog of nearly 19,000 units [15][16] - The average age of the North American railcar fleet exceeds 20 years, driving steady growth in the railcar maintenance market [17] - In Europe, railcar orders are driven by necessity, but overall activity is muted until economic conditions improve [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on doubling recurring revenues by fiscal 2028 and has renewed two bank facilities totaling $850 million [7] - Greenbrier is investing in manufacturing and leasing, with expected investments of around $145 million in manufacturing and $270 million in leasing and fleet management [26] - The company is positioned to navigate various market conditions and capitalize on opportunities as they arise [8][10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about a strong finish to the fiscal year and medium to long-term market conditions [10] - The Senate's passage of a budget bill is expected to energize markets for capital goods like railcars [9] - Management is confident in the ability to manage production rates in response to market demand and backlog visibility [38][40] Other Important Information - The company repurchased approximately $22 million in shares during the quarter, reflecting confidence in its long-term strategy [10][25] - Liquidity reached nearly $770 million, the highest level since 2023, consisting of almost $300 million in cash and over $470 million in available borrowing capacity [23][24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on interest and FX line items - Management expects interest expense to be in the 22% to 25% range for the quarter, with FX having a significant impact [31][32] Question: Production rates and order levels - Management has been adjusting production rates based on market demand and has a strong backlog of 19,000 cars, indicating optimism for future orders [38][40] Question: Confidence in backlog and order conversion - Management expressed confidence in the commercial team and anticipates that clarity around tariffs and trade policy will lead to increased orders [50][51] Question: Mix of deliveries and leased cars - Management noted that while leased fleet growth has been modest, they are becoming more active in the used car market to balance fleet growth [59]