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Expeditors International of Washington, Inc. orchestrates the flow of goods that underpin global commerce. This logistics powerhouse excels in integrated freight solutions across continents, from air and ocean freight to customs brokerage and supply chain optimization. Renowned for precision and innovation, Expeditors serves major retailers, tech firms, and manufacturers alike. As supply chains evolve, I ask: does Expeditors’ robust business model still command a premium valuation and growth outlook in 2026?

Expeditors International of Washington, Inc. Analysis
Table of contents

Business Model & Company Overview

Expeditors International of Washington, Inc., founded in 1979 and headquartered in Seattle, WA, commands a leading position in the integrated freight and logistics sector. Its comprehensive ecosystem spans air, ocean, and ground transportation, coupled with customs brokerage and supply chain solutions. This cohesive approach serves diverse industries, from electronics to manufacturing, making Expeditors a critical link in global trade networks.

The company’s revenue engine balances freight consolidation, forwarding services, and ancillary offerings like cargo insurance and compliance consulting. Its footprint extends across the Americas, Europe, Asia, and beyond, reinforcing a competitive advantage through global reach and operational agility. Expeditors’ robust network and service integration create a formidable economic moat, shaping the future of international logistics.

Financial Performance & Fundamental Metrics

I will analyze Expeditors International of Washington, Inc.’s income statement, key financial ratios, and dividend payout policy to assess its core financial health and shareholder value.

Income Statement

The following table presents Expeditors International of Washington, Inc.’s key income statement figures for the fiscal years 2021 through 2025 in USD.

income statement
20212022202320242025
Revenue16.5B17.1B9.3B10.6B11.1B
Cost of Revenue14.4B14.9B8.1B9.3B9.4B
Operating Expenses256M347M306M308M642M
Gross Profit2.2B2.2B1.2B1.3B1.7B
EBITDA2.0B1.9B1.0B1.1B1.2B
EBIT1.9B1.8B0.9B1.0B1.1B
Interest Expense0.4M23M4.8M00
Net Income1.4B1.4B753M810M814M
EPS8.378.335.055.755.97
Filing Date2022-03-152023-03-012024-02-232025-02-212026-02-25

Income Statement Evolution

From 2021 to 2025, Expeditors International’s revenue declined significantly by 33%, while net income fell 42.5%. The 2025 revenue rose 4.4% year-over-year, with gross profit growing 25.6%, indicating margin improvement. However, net margin contracted 3.8% in the last year, reflecting weaker bottom-line profitability despite stable EBIT margins near 9.9%.

Is the Income Statement Favorable?

The 2025 income statement shows neutral revenue growth but favorable gross profit and EBIT growth. Operating expenses rose proportionally with revenue, an unfavorable sign. Interest expense is zero, supporting net margins. Yet, net margin and overall profitability trends remain under pressure. Given these mixed signals, fundamentals appear broadly unfavorable for sustained earnings strength.

Financial Ratios

The table below summarizes key financial ratios for Expeditors International of Washington, Inc. from 2021 to 2025, illustrating profitability, liquidity, leverage, and market valuation metrics:

Ratios20212022202320242025
Net Margin8.57%7.95%8.10%7.64%7.35%
ROE40.51%43.65%31.50%36.44%34.55%
ROIC35.49%37.23%23.85%27.62%26.65%
P/E16.0512.4825.2019.2824.87
P/B6.505.457.947.038.59
Current Ratio1.782.202.021.771.81
Quick Ratio1.782.202.021.771.81
D/E0.130.170.220.260.24
Debt-to-Assets6.15%9.27%11.67%11.97%11.66%
Interest Coverage4646x78x196xN/AN/A
Asset Turnover2.173.052.062.232.26
Fixed Asset Turnover17.4516.919.3410.5910.93
Dividend Yield0.86%1.26%1.06%1.31%1.03%

Evolution of Financial Ratios

Return on Equity (ROE) showed a variable trend, peaking at 43.65% in 2022 before settling at 34.55% in 2025. The Current Ratio remained stable, fluctuating modestly around 1.8 to 2.2, signaling consistent liquidity. Debt-to-Equity Ratio increased gradually from 0.13 in 2021 to 0.24 in 2025, indicating cautious leverage growth. Profitability remained generally solid but showed some compression in net margins.

Are the Financial Ratios Fovorable?

In 2025, profitability metrics like ROE (34.55%) and ROIC (26.65%) are favorable, comfortably exceeding the WACC at 8.75%. Liquidity indicators, including the Current and Quick Ratios at 1.81, are also favorable, suggesting sound short-term financial health. Leverage ratios are conservative, with Debt-to-Equity at 0.24 and Debt-to-Assets at 11.66%. Market multiples reveal a high Price-to-Book (8.59) as unfavorable, though Price-to-Earnings (24.87) remains neutral. Overall, the ratios paint a favorable financial profile with some valuation caution.

Shareholder Return Policy

Expeditors International maintains a consistent dividend policy, with a payout ratio near 25% and a steady dividend per share rising from $1.16 in 2021 to $1.53 in 2025. The dividend yield hovers around 1%, supported by free cash flow coverage, indicating a balanced distribution approach.

The company also engages in share buybacks, enhancing shareholder returns beyond dividends. This combination suggests a disciplined capital allocation strategy aligned with sustainable long-term value creation, avoiding excessive distributions or repurchases that could strain financial flexibility.

Score analysis

Below is a radar chart illustrating Expeditors International’s key financial metric scores for a comprehensive overview:

score analysis

The company scores very favorably on return on equity and assets, showing operational efficiency. Moderate scores in discounted cash flow and debt-to-equity suggest balanced capital management. However, valuation metrics like price-to-earnings and price-to-book are weak, indicating potential market undervaluation.

Analysis of the company’s bankruptcy risk

Expeditors International’s Altman Z-Score places it well within the safe zone, signaling low bankruptcy risk and strong financial stability:

altman z score analysis

Is the company in good financial health?

The following Piotroski diagram reflects a very strong score, underscoring robust financial health and operational strength:

piotroski f score analysis

With a Piotroski Score of 8, the company demonstrates excellent profitability, leverage, and liquidity metrics, marking it as financially sound and well-managed.

Competitive Landscape & Sector Positioning

This section examines Expeditors International of Washington, Inc.’s strategic positioning, revenue segments, and key products. I will analyze the main competitors and evaluate its competitive advantages. The goal is to determine whether Expeditors maintains an edge over its industry peers.

Strategic Positioning

Expeditors International diversifies across airfreight, ocean freight, and customs brokerage, with 2025 revenues of $3.98B, $2.81B, and $4.27B respectively. Its geographic footprint spans the US, Europe, North and South Asia, Latin America, and other North American markets, reflecting broad global exposure.

Revenue by Segment

This pie chart illustrates Expeditors International of Washington, Inc.’s revenue distribution by segment for the fiscal year 2025, highlighting the relative contribution of each service line.

revenue by segment

In 2025, Customs Brokerage And Other Services leads with $4.27B, closely followed by Airfreight Services at $3.98B. Ocean Freight And Ocean Services, at $2.81B, shows a decline from prior years, reflecting a notable shift away from ocean freight. This concentration around customs and airfreight suggests strategic emphasis on faster, higher-margin services amid evolving logistics demands. The downward trend in ocean freight signals potential risk if market dynamics shift further.

Key Products & Brands

Expeditors International’s main offerings cover airfreight, customs brokerage, and ocean freight services:

ProductDescription
Airfreight ServicesAir freight consolidation, forwarding, and time-definite transportation across global markets.
Customs Brokerage And Other ServicesCustoms clearance, trade compliance, consulting, cargo security, and supply chain optimization solutions.
Ocean Freight And Ocean ServicesOcean freight consolidation, direct forwarding, order management, and related ocean logistics services.

Expeditors operates a diversified logistics portfolio. Airfreight and customs brokerage generate stable revenue streams. Ocean freight complements with global shipping solutions, reflecting comprehensive supply chain expertise.

Main Competitors

The sector includes 5 main competitors; below is a table of the top 10 leaders by market capitalization:

CompetitorMarket Cap.
United Parcel Service, Inc. (UPS)85.7B
FedEx Corporation (FDX)69.2B
Expeditors International of Washington, Inc. (EXPD)20.8B
C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc. (CHRW)19.3B
J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. (JBHT)18.7B

Expeditors ranks third in market capitalization among its five competitors. Its market cap represents 22.5% of the leader, United Parcel Service. The company is below both the top 10 average of 42.8B and the sector median of 20.8B. It holds a strong 259% gap above its nearest competitor, demonstrating a clear lead in its peer group.

Comparisons with competitors

Check out how we compare the company to its competitors:

Does Expeditors have a competitive advantage?

Expeditors International of Washington, Inc. presents a competitive advantage by creating value with an ROIC 18% above its WACC, signaling efficient capital use. However, its ROIC trend is declining, indicating some erosion in profitability over recent years.

The company leverages a global logistics network across key regions, including North Asia and the United States, supporting diverse customer segments. Future opportunities lie in expanding services like temperature-controlled transit and supply chain optimization across new markets.

SWOT Analysis

This analysis highlights Expeditors International’s key strategic factors shaping its competitive position and growth prospects.

Strengths

  • strong ROIC well above WACC
  • robust liquidity with current ratio 1.81
  • diversified global footprint across key regions

Weaknesses

  • declining ROIC trend signals margin pressure
  • unfavorable long-term revenue and net income growth
  • high price-to-book ratio signals possible overvaluation

Opportunities

  • expanding e-commerce logistics demand
  • growth potential in emerging markets like South Asia
  • leveraging technology for supply chain optimization

Threats

  • global trade volatility and geopolitical risks
  • intense competition in integrated logistics
  • rising operational costs and inflationary pressures

Expeditors shows solid financial health and value creation but faces challenges with declining profitability and growth. The company must leverage its global network and capitalize on technological advances to sustain competitive advantage amid market uncertainties.

Stock Price Action Analysis

The weekly stock chart displays Expeditors International of Washington, Inc. (EXPD) price movements and volatility over the past 100 weeks:

stock price

Trend Analysis

Over the past 12 months, EXPD’s price rose 20.89%, indicating a bullish trend despite deceleration. The stock ranged between 106.7 and 165.04, showing strong gains but reduced momentum. Volatility remains elevated with a 13.84% standard deviation, reflecting ongoing market fluctuations.

Volume Analysis

Trading volume for EXPD is increasing, with buyers dominating 61.61% overall and 62.89% recently. Buyer-driven activity suggests sustained investor confidence and growing market participation over the last three months. Seller volume remains significantly lower, reinforcing bullish demand pressure.

Target Prices

Analysts set a clear target consensus for Expeditors International of Washington, Inc. (EXPD).

Target LowTarget HighConsensus
95166140.13

The consensus target price of 140.13 suggests moderate upside potential, reflecting cautious optimism among industry analysts.

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Analyst & Consumer Opinions

This section examines the latest analyst grades and consumer feedback related to Expeditors International of Washington, Inc. for 2026.

Stock Grades

Here are the latest verified stock grades for Expeditors International of Washington, Inc.:

Grading CompanyActionNew GradeDate
SusquehannaMaintainNeutral2026-02-25
Truist SecuritiesMaintainHold2026-02-25
BarclaysMaintainUnderweight2026-01-15
Truist SecuritiesMaintainHold2026-01-15
JP MorganMaintainUnderweight2026-01-12
StifelMaintainHold2025-12-16
Morgan StanleyMaintainUnderweight2025-12-08
UBSUpgradeBuy2025-11-17
StifelMaintainHold2025-11-06
TD CowenMaintainSell2025-11-05

The consensus remains a Hold with a majority of analysts maintaining neutral or hold ratings. Notably, UBS upgraded to Buy in late 2025, but several firms continue to favor cautious stances or underweight positions.

Consumer Opinions

Expeditors International of Washington, Inc. consistently earns praise for reliability but faces critiques on pricing and communication.

Positive ReviewsNegative Reviews
“Always delivers on time with great care.”“Customer service can be slow during peak seasons.”
“Transparent tracking and proactive updates.”“Rates are higher compared to competitors.”
“Professional staff who handle complex logistics well.”“Occasional delays in customs clearance notifications.”

Overall, customers value Expeditors’ operational reliability and professionalism. However, concerns about pricing and occasional communication delays suggest areas for improvement.

Risk Analysis

Below is a summary table of key risks facing Expeditors International of Washington, Inc., highlighting their likelihood and potential impact:

CategoryDescriptionProbabilityImpact
Market VolatilityBeta at 1.13 indicates moderate sensitivity to market swings.MediumMedium
Valuation RiskHigh PB ratio (8.59) signals possible overvaluation.HighHigh
Industry DisruptionFreight/logistics can be disrupted by geopolitical tensions.MediumHigh
Operational RiskSupply chain delays or cost increases could pressure margins.MediumMedium
Financial RiskStrong Altman Z-Score (8.7) and Piotroski (8) mitigate risk.LowLow

Valuation risk stands out due to an unfavorable price-to-book ratio, suggesting the stock may be expensive versus assets. Geopolitical disruptions in global logistics pose significant impact risks. The company’s strong financial health, highlighted by a safe Altman Z-Score and very strong Piotroski score, provides a solid cushion against bankruptcy and credit risk.

Should You Buy Expeditors International of Washington, Inc.?

Analytically, Expeditors appears to offer robust profitability and a slightly favorable competitive moat despite declining ROIC. Its leverage profile is manageable, supported by a safe-zone Altman Z-score and a strong Piotroski score, suggesting a B+ rating.

Strength & Efficiency Pillars

Expeditors International of Washington, Inc. showcases robust profitability with a net margin of 7.35% and a return on equity (ROE) of 34.55%. Its return on invested capital (ROIC) stands at 26.65%, significantly above the weighted average cost of capital (WACC) at 8.75%, confirming it as a clear value creator. The company benefits from a high asset turnover of 2.26x and a low debt-to-equity ratio of 0.24, underscoring operational efficiency and prudent capital allocation. These metrics reflect strong financial discipline despite a slight decline in ROIC over recent years.

Weaknesses and Drawbacks

The valuation metrics raise concerns, with a price-to-book (P/B) ratio of 8.59 flagged as very unfavorable, indicating the stock trades at a steep premium relative to its book value. Although the price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 24.87 is neutral, it suggests limited margin for valuation expansion. However, liquidity and leverage profiles remain sound, with a current ratio of 1.81 and minimal debt burden. Market activity is positive, showing buyer dominance at 62.89%, reducing short-term selling pressure risk.

Our Final Verdict about Expeditors International of Washington, Inc.

The company’s strong solvency, confirmed by an Altman Z-Score of 8.69 in the safe zone, supports a fundamentally stable profile. Given the bullish overall stock trend and buyer dominance in recent periods, the stock may appear attractive for long-term exposure. However, elevated valuation multiples and decelerating ROIC suggest investors might consider timing entry points cautiously to optimize risk-adjusted returns.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. Investing in financial markets involves a significant risk of loss, and past performance is not indicative of future results.

Additional Resources

For more information about Expeditors International of Washington, Inc., please visit the official website: expeditors.com