Core Viewpoint - The future outlook for United Parcel Service (UPS) appears positive despite recent challenges, with potential for recovery and growth driven by strategic changes in revenue quality, network efficiency, and tariff management. Group 1: Revenue Quality - UPS's revenue declined by 3.7% year over year in Q3, a planned reduction as part of a broader strategy to enhance revenue quality [4][5] - The company sold its Coyote Logistics unit, leading to a significant drop in supply chain solutions revenue, while also reducing shipment volumes for Amazon to focus on higher-margin business [5] - U.S. revenue per piece increased by 9.8% year over year in Q3, and UPS aims to replace lost revenue with higher-margin business, exemplified by the acquisition of Andleuer Healthcare Group [6] Group 2: Network Efficiency - UPS is undergoing its most extensive network reconfiguration in history, having closed 93 buildings, including 19 in Q3, and implemented a voluntary retirement program for drivers [8] - The company expects to announce approximately $3.5 billion in cost reductions for 2025, contributing to improved profitability [8][9] - U.S. operating margin increased by 10 basis points in Q3, indicating early success from these efficiency efforts [9] Group 3: Tariff Management - The uncertainty surrounding tariffs has somewhat resolved, alleviating challenges faced by UPS, particularly in higher-margin international lanes [10] - While some tariff impacts may still affect small- and medium-sized businesses in 2026, the overall outlook for UPS regarding tariffs is improving [10] - UPS is leveraging agentic AI technology to enhance customs brokerage capabilities, helping customers navigate trade complexities and reinforcing its role in global commerce [11]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated revenue for Q2 2025 was $21.2 billion, with an operating profit of $1.9 billion and an operating margin of 8.8% [9][30] - Average daily volume in the U.S. declined by 7.3%, while revenue declined by only 0.8% due to strategic actions taken [12][30] - Diluted earnings per share were reported at $1.55 [30] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. Domestic segment revenue was $14.1 billion, down slightly year-over-year, primarily due to a decline in Amazon revenue [35] - International segment revenue increased to $4.5 billion, up 2.6% year-over-year, despite a 34.8% decline in the China to U.S. trade lane [41] - Supply Chain Solutions revenue fell to $2.7 billion, down $594 million year-over-year, with healthcare logistics growing by 5.7% [42] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. consumer sentiment was near historic lows, impacting the small package market negatively [10] - The China to U.S. trade lane saw a significant drop in volume due to increased tariffs, while trade lanes from China to the rest of the world increased by 22.4% [15][39] - SMBs represented 32% of total U.S. volume, showing a 230 basis point improvement compared to last year [33] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on reducing costs by approximately $3.5 billion this year through efficiency initiatives and network reconfiguration [19][44] - The strategic priority includes growing the international small package business and enhancing healthcare logistics capabilities [16][22] - The company is actively engaging in supply chain mapping assessments to help customers navigate tariff uncertainties [15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The management expressed concerns about the uncertain macroeconomic environment and its impact on customer demand, particularly for SMBs [24][57] - There is a focus on improving revenue quality and managing the decline in Amazon volume, with expectations for more clarity on tariffs and demand by the end of Q3 [62][64] - The company remains committed to a stable and growing dividend, supported by strong free cash flow [26] Other Important Information - The company is undergoing the largest network reconfiguration in its history, with 155 operations closed and plans for more closures in the second half of the year [44][47] - The attrition rate for employees was lower than expected, impacting cost savings initiatives [59][111] Q&A Session Summary Question: Is the lack of guidance a sign that things are worse? - Management indicated that the uncertainty in the market is the reason for not providing guidance, with volume in July showing some improvement but not necessarily indicative of future performance [53][54] Question: What is the outlook for SMBs given the current environment? - Management noted that SMBs are facing challenges due to trade uncertainties and tighter credit conditions, but UPS is helping them navigate these issues through supply chain mapping [86][87] Question: How is the company addressing competition from smaller parcel carriers? - Management emphasized that UPS's end-to-end network and capabilities set it apart from competitors, and the company gained market share despite a competitive environment [78][80]