Here's Why Investors Should Retain Expeditors Stock Now

Expeditors International of Washington EXPD is thriving with robust demand, which is boosting its top line. Shareholder-friendly initiatives are encouraging. However, EXPD is grappling with geopolitical uncertainties and elevated operating expenses.Factors Favoring EXPDExpeditors delivered a strong and confident performance in a complex global trade environment, underscoring its ability to thrive amid uncertainty in the first quarter of 2025. The company achieved solid year-over-year growth in airfreight tonnage volume by 9% and ocean container volumes by 8%, respectively, demonstrating the strength of its global network and the resilience of its teams. Demand remained robust, especially in the technology sector, and Expeditors capitalized on shifting trade patterns by quickly adapting to customer needs, solidifying its position as a go-to logistics partner during turbulent times.Image Source: Zacks Investment ResearchThe company’s deep cross-border expertise continues to be a competitive advantage, as evidenced by the hundreds of industry update sessions held to guide clients through rapidly evolving trade regulations. This high level of engagement not only reinforces customer loyalty but also attracts new business, particularly in warehousing, distribution and customs brokerage. Expeditors’ ability to provide end-to-end logistics solutions positions it to benefit further as global supply chains become increasingly complex.Expeditors' commitment to its shareholders is encouraging, as evidenced by its latest 5.5% dividend hike, raising the semi-annual payout from $0.73 to $0.77 per share, payable on June 16, 2025. This move reflects the company's strong cash position and continued focus on enhancing shareholder returns.Expeditors has shown a consistent track record of rewarding investors, with previous dividend increases of 15.5% in 2022 and 3% in 2023, alongside substantial share repurchases totaling more than $1.5 billion in 2022. These actions highlight a well-balanced capital allocation strategy and a confident outlook on sustained financial performance. In the first quarter of 2025, EXPD returned $177 million to shareholders through stock repurchases.Robust liquidity is another tailwind for Expeditors, as the company ended 2024 with a current ratio (a measure of liquidity) of 1.77. A current ratio of greater than one is always recommended, as it indicates that the company has sufficient cash to meet its short-term obligations. In the first quarter of 2025, the current ratio was pegged at 1.83.Owing to such tailwinds, the company’s shares have risen 3.3% year to date compared to the  Transportation - Services industry’s fall of 1.5%Image Source: Zacks Investment ResearchEXPD: Key Risks to Watch Expeditors is struggling with increased operating expenses, adversely impacting its bottom line. In the first quarter of 2025, total operating expenses rose 20.5% year over year. This surge in expenses was primarily driven by increased ocean freight and ocean services costs.Ocean freight and ocean services expenses jumped 38.6% year over year, pushing up the total operating costs. The Airfreight services, which represent 27% of total operating costs, rose 20.6% year over year.Moreover, Expeditors acknowledges that global uncertainty is expected to persist and may have a significant impact on the logistics industry. The company anticipates continued volatility in global freight markets and pricing in the near term, driven by shifting trade dynamics and broader geopolitical and economic factors.EXPD’s Zacks RankEXPD currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).Stocks to ConsiderInvestors interested in the Transportation sector may consider Copa Holdings CPA and Ryanair RYAAY.CPA currently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.CPA has an expected earnings growth rate of 14.3% for the current year. The company has an impressive earnings surprise history. Its earnings outpaced the Zacks Consensus Estimate in each of the trailing four quarters, delivering an average beat of 5.5%. Shares of CPA have risen 20.7% year to date.RYAAY currently carries a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy).RYAAY has an expected earnings growth rate of 30.5% for the current year. The company has a mixed earnings surprise history. Its earnings outpaced the Zacks Consensus Estimate in two of the trailing four quarters and missed twice, delivering an average beat of 46.6%. Shares of RYAAY have rallied 31.7% year to date.5 Stocks Set to DoubleEach was handpicked by a Zacks expert as the #1 favorite stock to gain +100% or more in 2024. While not all picks can be winners, previous recommendations have soared +143.0%, +175.9%, +498.3% and +673.0%.Most of the stocks in this report are flying under Wall Street radar, which provides a great opportunity to get in on the ground floor.Today, See These 5 Potential Home Runs >>Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Ryanair Holdings PLC (RYAAY): Free Stock Analysis Report Expeditors International of Washington, Inc. (EXPD): Free Stock Analysis Report Copa Holdings, S.A. (CPA): Free Stock Analysis ReportThis article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).Zacks Investment ResearchWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks