10-QPeriod: Q2 FY2012

EXPEDITORS INTERNATIONAL OF WASHINGTON INC Quarterly Report for Q2 Ended Jun 30, 2012

Filed August 8, 2012For Securities:EXPD

Summary

Expeditors International of Washington, Inc. (EXPD) reported mixed financial results for the second quarter and first half of 2012. While the company demonstrated resilience in its customs brokerage and other services, both airfreight and ocean freight segments experienced revenue declines compared to the prior year. Total revenues decreased by 4.9% for the quarter and 4.0% for the six-month period. Net earnings attributable to shareholders also saw a reduction, down 11.6% for the quarter and 14.2% for the six months. Despite these top-line and bottom-line pressures, Expeditors maintained a strong liquidity position with substantial cash and cash equivalents and no long-term debt. The company highlighted ongoing operational challenges including a decrease in airfreight tonnage and pressure on ocean freight rates due to carrier capacity management. Management noted that global economic uncertainties continue to impact shipping volumes and pricing. Nevertheless, Expeditors remains focused on its core strategy of providing superior customer service and developing its personnel, believing its unique corporate culture is a key differentiator in the competitive logistics industry. Investors should monitor the ongoing government investigations, which could potentially lead to material fines or penalties.

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$1.51B
Gross Profit$453.65M
Operating Expenses$1.37B
Operating Income$132.40M
Interest Expense$222K
Net Income$83.95M
EPS (Basic)$0.40
EPS (Diluted)$0.39
Shares Outstanding (Basic)211.72M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)213.21M

Key Highlights

  • 1Total revenues decreased by 4.9% to $1.505 billion for Q2 2012 and by 4.0% to $2.916 billion for the first six months of 2012 compared to the prior year.
  • 2Net earnings attributable to shareholders declined by 11.6% to $84.0 million for Q2 2012 and by 14.2% to $160.7 million for the first six months of 2012.
  • 3Airfreight services net revenues decreased by 11% in Q2 2012 and by 11% in the first six months of 2012, primarily due to a decline in airfreight tonnage.
  • 4Ocean freight and ocean services net revenues decreased by 3% in Q2 2012 and by 1% in the first six months of 2012, driven by lower net revenue per container.
  • 5Customs brokerage and other services net revenues showed modest growth, increasing by 2% for Q2 2012 and 4% for the first six months of 2012.
  • 6The company maintained a strong balance sheet with total assets of $2.99 billion and shareholders' equity of $2.05 billion as of June 30, 2012, and no long-term debt.
  • 7Expeditors continued to actively repurchase its common stock, spending $135.5 million in Q2 2012 and $141.0 million in the first six months of 2012.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary drivers of the revenue decline were decreased volumes in airfreight services, reflected by a 10% decrease in airfreight tonnage for the quarter, and pressure on ocean freight rates and net revenue per container, despite a slight increase in ocean freight container volume. Management attributed the airfreight decline to a general decrease in the global airfreight market and lower levels of project-related tonnage compared to the previous year.

Expeditors maintains a strong financial position. As of June 30, 2012, the company had $1.36 billion in cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments, and no long-term debt. Net cash provided by operating activities was robust, totaling $92.8 million for the quarter and $240.2 million for the first six months, indicating sufficient liquidity to meet its operational and capital requirements.

Yes, Expeditors is subject to ongoing investigations by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Commerce Department's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS). One investigation concerns alleged anti-competitive behavior in air cargo freight forwarding, and another relates to the export of products to a US-embargoed country. The company is cooperating with these investigations, but unfavorable rulings could result in significant fines, penalties, or other actions that could materially impact its financial results.

The company significantly increased its stock repurchase activity. Cash used in financing activities for repurchases and dividends totaled $135.5 million in Q2 2012 and $141.0 million in the first six months of 2012, compared to $80.6 million and $90.2 million for the same periods in 2011, respectively. This increase was driven by both continued repurchases to limit share growth from option exercises and additional discretionary repurchases.