UPS(UPS) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript
UPSUPS(US:UPS)2025-10-28 13:32

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated revenue for Q3 2025 was $21.4 billion, with an operating profit of $2.1 billion and an operating margin of 10% [7][19] - Year-to-date free cash flow reached $2.7 billion, showing improvement from previous quarters [7][27] - Diluted earnings per share were $1.74, with $0.30 attributed to a sale leaseback transaction [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. average daily volume (ADV) declined by 12.3%, primarily due to a planned reduction in Amazon volume and lower-yielding e-commerce volume [8][20] - U.S. domestic revenue was $14.2 billion, down 2.6% year over year, despite a 9.8% increase in revenue per piece [23][24] - International ADV grew by 4.8%, with export ADV increasing by 5.9%, marking the fifth consecutive quarter of growth [9][25] - Supply Chain Solutions revenue was $2.5 billion, down $715 million year over year, largely due to the divestiture of Coyote [26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The international segment's operating margin was 14.8%, down from the previous year due to trade lane shifts and lower demand-related surcharges [26] - The U.S. experienced a significant decline in imports from China, with a 27.1% drop in ADV [25][57] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is undergoing a significant transformation, focusing on high-value market segments and complex logistics needs [17][18] - The acquisition of Andlauer Healthcare Group is expected to enhance UPS's healthcare logistics capabilities [11][32] - The Digital Access Program (DAP) generated over $2.8 billion in revenue, a 20% increase year over year, indicating strong growth in the SMB segment [12][22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating tariff changes and highlighted the importance of operational agility in response to evolving trade policies [6][9] - The company anticipates a strong peak season, driven by strategic enhancements and operational efficiencies [15][31] - Fourth quarter revenue is expected to be approximately $24 billion, with an operating margin of 11% to 11.5% [17][32] Other Important Information - The company has closed 93 buildings as part of its network reconfiguration efforts, aiming to reduce costs by approximately $3.5 billion this year [13][28] - The voluntary retirement program for long-term drivers was successfully completed, contributing to cost savings [13][24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Domestic margins and future expectations - Management is pleased with revenue quality and progress on the Amazon glide down, with expectations for sequential increases in Amazon volume during peak [35][36] Question: Cost per piece and USPS collaboration - Cost per piece is expected to improve due to automation investments and the driver voluntary severance program, with benefits materializing in Q4 [42][43][46] Question: SMB performance and trade policy impacts - SMBs showed slight declines year on year, but the company is actively helping them navigate trade policy changes [50][51][52] Question: International trade flow analysis - Permanent changes in trade flows are expected, with a focus on operational adjustments to meet customer needs [88][90]