FedEx Corp. Reports Third Quarter Earnings

FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) today reported earnings of $1.26 per diluted share for the third quarter ended February 29, compared to $1.35 per diluted share a year ago. Last year’s third quarter included an $0.08 per diluted share benefit from a reduction in the company’s effective tax rate. "FedEx faces a challenging economic environment that includes persistently high oil prices, sluggish U.S. growth and continued concerns in the credit markets,” said Frederick W. Smith, FedEx Corp. chairman, president and chief executive officer. "We are managing our costs while positioning our portfolio of global transportation solutions to increase our profitability and returns once conditions improve.” Third Quarter Results FedEx Corp. reported the following consolidated results for the third quarter: Revenue of $9.44 billion, up 10% from $8.59 billion the previous year Operating income of $641 million, unchanged from a year ago Operating margin of 6.8%, down from 7.5% the previous year Net income of $393 million, down 6% from last year’s $420 million Total combined average daily package volume in the FedEx Express and FedEx Ground segments grew 5% year over year for the quarter, due primarily to growth at FedEx Ground, FedEx International Priority® (IP) and an increase in international domestic express shipments resulting primarily from recent international acquisitions. Third quarter operating margins declined, as higher fuel prices and a weak U.S. economy limited demand for U.S. domestic express, less-than-truckload (LTL) and copy and print services. The costs of retail service enhancement initiatives, increased marketing and technology expenses and higher expenses at FedEx Ground more than offset the benefits from lower variable compensation and favorable exchange rates. Outlook FedEx expects earnings to be $1.60 to $1.80 per diluted share in the fourth quarter compared to $1.96 a year ago. Last year’s fourth quarter results included a $0.06 per diluted share net benefit from a settlement with Airbus related to the A380 order cancellation. This outlook assumes no additional increases to current fuel prices and no further weakening in the economy. The capital spending forecast for the year has been reduced to approximately $3.0 billion. "Our fourth quarter earnings outlook has been impacted by higher than anticipated fuel prices and a weak U.S. economy,” said Alan B. Graf, Jr., FedEx Corp. executive vice president and chief financial officer. "Looking ahead to our fiscal 2009, we are expecting a continuation of fourth quarter trends, which would result in limited earnings growth next year. We are scrutinizing all expenses and investments to realign them with the current environment.” FedEx Express Segment For the third quarter, the FedEx Express segment reported: Revenue of $6.13 billion, up 11% from last year’s $5.52 billion Operating income of $425 million, up 8% from $395 million a year ago Operating margin of 6.9%, down from 7.2% the previous year IP package revenue grew 18% for the quarter, as IP revenue per package grew 10%, primarily due to higher fuel surcharges and favorable exchange rates. IP average daily package volume grew 6%, led by increases in volume originating in Latin America, the United States and Asia. U.S. domestic revenue per package increased 6% due to increased fuel surcharges and higher rate per pound, while package volume declined by 2%. Operating income and margin were negatively impacted by continued softness in the U.S. economy, increased intercompany charges from the FedEx Services segment and the ongoing cost of investments in the company’s China domestic express service, more than offsetting the benefits from the timing lag of the fuel surcharge, one additional operating day and exchange rates. FedEx Ground Segment For the third quarter, the FedEx Ground segment reported: Revenue of $1.72 billion, up 13% from last year’s $1.52 billion Operating income of $170 million, down 13% from $196 million a year ago Operating margin of 9.9%, down from 12.9% the previous year FedEx Ground average daily package volume grew 7% year over year in the third quarter due to increased commercial business and the continued strong growth of its FedEx Home Delivery service. Yield improved 3% primarily due to fuel surcharges, extra service revenues and the impact of general rate increases. Operating income and margin were lower due to increased intercompany charges from the FedEx Services segment and costs to enhance and defend the independent contractor model, partially offset by the benefit from one additional operating day. FedEx Freight Segment For the third quarter, the FedEx Freight segment reported: Revenue of $1.16 billion, up 5% from last year’s $1.10 billion Operating income of $46 million, down 8% from $50 million a year ago Operating margin of 4.0%, down from 4.5% the previous year LTL shipments declined 3% year over year, as demand for these services continues to be restrained by the weak U.S. economy, although average daily LTL shipments improved sequentially throughout the quarter. LTL yield improved 5% year over year as higher rates, including the impact of the January rate increase, more than offset the July 2007 fuel surcharge reduction. Operating income and margin decreased in the quarter due to the net impact of higher fuel costs and the fuel surcharge reduction, higher utilization of purchased transportation and fewer long-haul LTL shipments. FedEx Services Segment Revenue for the FedEx Services segment, which includes the operations of FedEx Kinko’s and FedEx Global Supply Chain Services, was up 1% year over year. Revenue generated from new locations and higher package acceptance fees offset lower copy product revenues at FedEx Kinko’s. FedEx Services expenses, which are reallocated to the transportation segments net of revenues, increased year over year due to higher marketing and information technology costs and increased net operating costs at FedEx Kinko’s associated with expansion and service improvement activities. FedEx Kinko’s has opened 252 centers fiscal year-to-date as part of its plan to open 300 new centers this year. Given the weak economic outlook, FedEx Kinko’s will significantly slow its rate of expansion in fiscal 2009, to about 70 new locations. Corporate Overview FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) provides customers and businesses worldwide with a broad portfolio of transportation, e-commerce and business services. With annual revenues of $37 billion, the company offers integrated business applications through operating companies competing collectively and managed collaboratively, under the respected FedEx brand. Consistently ranked among the world’s most admired and trusted employers, FedEx inspires its more than 290,000 employees and contractors to remain "absolutely, positively” focused on safety, the highest ethical and professional standards and the needs of their customers and communities. For more information, visit news.fedex.com. Additional information and operating data are contained in the company’s annual report, Form 10-K, Form 10-Qs and third quarter fiscal 2008 Statistical Book. These materials, as well as a Webcast of the earnings release conference call to be held at 8:30 a.m. EDT on March 20 are available on the company’s Web site at www.fedex.com/us/investorrelations. A replay of the conference call Webcast will be posted on our Web site following the call. Certain statements in this press release may be considered forward-looking statements, such as statements relating to management’s views with respect to future events and financial performance. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from historical experience or from future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, economic conditions in the global markets in which we operate, legal challenges or changes related to FedEx Ground’s owner-operators, new U.S. domestic or international government regulation, the impact from any terrorist activities or international conflicts, our ability to effectively operate, integrate and leverage acquired businesses, the impact of changes in fuel prices and currency exchange rates, our ability to match capacity to shifting volume levels and other factors which can be found in FedEx Corp.’s and its subsidiaries’ press releases and filings with the SEC. FEDEX CORP. FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS   Third Quarter Fiscal 2008 (In millions, except earnings per share and FTEs) (Unaudited)               Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Feb. 29, 2008 Feb. 28, 2007 (2) % Feb. 29, 2008 Feb. 28, 2007 (2) % Revenue: FedEx Express segment $6,129 $5,523 11 % $18,055 $16,856 7 % FedEx Ground segment 1,720 1,523 13 % 5,036 4,460 13 % FedEx Freight segment 1,155 1,101 5 % 3,624 3,339 9 % FedEx Services segment 511 508 1 % 1,586 1,578 1 % Other & eliminations (78 ) (63 ) NM (214 ) (170 ) NM Total Revenue 9,437 8,592 10 % 28,087 26,063 8 %   Operating Expenses: Salaries and employee benefits 3,593 3,414 5 % 10,586 10,225 4 % Purchased transportation 1,128 1,009 12 % 3,289 2,901 13 % Rentals and landing fees 615 598 3 % 1,819 1,752 4 % Depreciation and amortization 492 449 10 % 1,447 1,278 13 % Fuel 1,180 829 42 % 3,204 2,630 22 % Maintenance and repairs 479 484 (1 %) 1,542 1,491 3 % Other 1,309   1,168   12 % 3,962   3,522   12 % Total Operating Expenses 8,796 7,951 11 % 25,849 23,799 9 %   Operating Income: FedEx Express segment 425 395 8 % 1,475 1,378 7 % FedEx Ground segment 170 196 (13 %) 533 548 (3 %) FedEx Freight segment 46   50   (8 %) 230   338   (32 %) Total Operating Income 641 641 — 2,238 2,264 (1 %)   Other Income (Expense): Interest, net (10 ) (11 ) (9 %) (50 ) (37 ) 35 % Other, net (3 ) (1 ) NM (5 ) (5 ) — Total Other Income (Expense) (13 ) (12 ) 8 % (55 ) (42 ) 31 %   Pretax Income 628 629 (0 %) 2,183 2,222 (2 %)   Provision for Income Taxes 235   209   12 % 817   816   0 %   Net Income $393   $420   (6 %) $1,366   $1,406   (3 %)   Diluted Earnings Per Share $1.26   $1.35   (7 %) $4.37   $4.52   (3 %)   Weighted Average Common and Common Equivalent Shares 312 311 — 312 311 —   Capital Expenditures $643 $653 (2 %) $2,156 $2,112 2 %   Average Full-Time Equivalents (000s)1 257 245 5 % 254 240 6 %   1 - The current year includes the DTW Group, ANC Holdings and Prakash Air acquisitions. 2 - Prior year amounts have been revised to conform to the current year segment presentation. FEDEX CORP. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS         Third Quarter Fiscal 2008 (In millions)   Feb. 29, 2008 (Unaudited) May 31, 2007 ASSETS   Current Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,011 $ 1,569 Other current assets 5,420 5,060 Total Current Assets 6,431 6,629   Net Property and Equipment 13,314 12,636   Other Long-Term Assets 4,851 4,735   $24,596 $24,000     LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' INVESTMENT   Current Liabilities: Current portion of long-term debt $ 18 $ 639 Other current liabilities 4,594 4,789 Total Current Liabilities 4,612 5,428   Long-Term Debt, Less Current Portion 2,006 2,007   Other Long-Term Liabilities 3,786 3,909   Total Common Stockholders' Investment 14,192 12,656   $24,596 $24,000 FEDEX CORP. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS       Third Quarter Fiscal 2008 (In millions) (Unaudited)     Nine Months Ended Feb. 29, 2008 Feb. 28, 2007   Operating Activities: Net income $1,366 $1,406 Noncash charges: Depreciation and amortization 1,447 1,278 Other, net 326 136 Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net (948 ) (716 )   Net cash provided by operating activities 2,191 2,104   Investing Activities: Capital expenditures (2,156 ) (2,112 ) Business acquisition — (991 ) Proceeds from asset dispositions and other 29   35     Net cash used in investing activities (2,127 ) (3,068 )   Financing Activities: Proceeds from debt issuances — 1,054 Principal payments on debt (623 ) (283 ) Dividends paid (93 ) (83 ) Other, net 94   109   Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities (622 ) 797     Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (558 ) (167 )   Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 1,569   1,937   Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $1,011   $1,770   FEDEX EXPRESS SEGMENT FINANCIAL AND OPERATING HIGHLIGHTS                 Third Quarter Fiscal 2008 (Dollars in millions) (Unaudited)     Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS Feb. 29, 2008 Feb. 28, 2007 (2) % Feb. 29, 2008 Feb. 28, 2007 (2) %   Revenue $6,129 $5,523 11 % $18,055 $16,856 7 %   Operating Expenses: Salaries and employee benefits 2,154 2,043 5 % 6,273 6,161 2 % Purchased transportation 302 300 1 % 881 832 6 % Rentals and landing fees 421 411 2 % 1,249 1,201 4 % Depreciation and amortization 240 216 11 % 704 629 12 % Fuel 980 691 42 % 2,652 2,205 20 % Maintenance and repairs 346 357 (3 %) 1,124 1,120 0 % Intercompany charges 555 499 11 % 1,606 1,521 6 % Other 706   611   16 % 2,091   1,809   16 % Total Operating Expenses 5,704   5,128   11 % 16,580   15,478   7 %   Operating Income $425   $395   8 % $1,475   $1,378   7 %   Operating Margin 6.9 % 7.2 % (0.3 pts) 8.2 % 8.2 % 0.0 pts   OPERATING STATISTICS   Operating Weekdays 63 62 2 % 191 190 1 %   AVG DAILY VOLUME / POUNDS Average Daily Package Volume (000s):   U.S. Overnight Box 1,165 1,191 (2 %) 1,155 1,180 (2 %) U.S. Overnight Envelope 659 699 (6 %) 679 701 (3 %) U.S. Deferred 966   965   0 % 910   904   1 % Total U.S. Domestic Package 2,790 2,855 (2 %) 2,744 2,785 (1 %) International Priority 518 490 6 % 517 486 6 % International Domestic1 295   162   82 % 294   83   NM Total Average Daily Packages 3,603   3,507   3 % 3,555   3,354   6 %   Average Daily Freight Pounds (000s):   U.S. 8,967 9,785 (8 %) 8,908 9,688 (8 %) International Priority 2,234 1,845 21 % 2,178 1,866 17 % International Airfreight 1,739   1,715   1 % 1,772   1,855   (4 %) Total Avg Daily Freight Pounds 12,940   13,345   (3 %) 12,858   13,409   (4 %)   YIELD Revenue Per Package:   U.S. Overnight Box $22.51 $21.29 6 % $22.13 $21.68 2 % U.S. Overnight Envelope 11.93 11.01 8 % 11.48 11.09 4 % U.S. Deferred 13.14   12.37   6 % 12.89   12.58   2 % Total U.S. Domestic Package 16.77 15.76 6 % 16.43 16.06 2 % International Priority 57.85 52.52 10 % 56.96 53.73 6 % International Domestic1 8.77   11.40   (23 %) 8.76   13.99   (37 %) Composite Package Yield $22.02   $20.70   6 % $21.69   $21.46   1 %   Revenue Per Freight Pound:   U.S. $1.09 $0.97 12 % $1.06 $0.99 7 % International Priority 2.19 2.20 (0 %) 2.19 2.18 0 % International Airfreight 0.89   0.85   5 % 0.85   0.85   — Composite Freight Yield $1.25   $1.12   12 % $1.23   $1.13   9 %   Average Full-Time Equivalents (000s)1 132 125 6 % 131 122 7 %   1 - The current year includes the DTW Group, ANC Holdings and Prakash Air acquisitions. 2 - Prior year amounts have been revised to conform to the current year segment presentation. FEDEX GROUND SEGMENT FINANCIAL AND OPERATING HIGHLIGHTS                 Third Quarter Fiscal 2008 (Dollars in millions) (Unaudited)     Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Feb. 29, 2008 Feb. 28, 2007 % Feb. 29, 2008 Feb. 28, 2007 % FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS   Revenue $1,720 $1,523 13 % $5,036 $4,460 13 %   Operating Expenses: Salaries and employee benefits 272 251 8 % 804 748 7 % Purchased transportation 699 597 17 % 2,016 1,742 16 % Rentals 49 45 9 % 142 125 14 % Depreciation and amortization 77 71 8 % 227 197 15 % Fuel 51 26 96 % 131 85 54 % Maintenance and repairs 36 35 3 % 108 98 10 % Intercompany charges 172 141 22 % 496 420 18 % Other 194   161   20 % 579   497   16 % Total Operating Expenses 1,550   1,327   17 % 4,503   3,912   15 %   Operating Income $170   $196   (13 %) $533   $548   (3 %)   Operating Margin 9.9 % 12.9 % (3.0 pts) 10.6 % 12.3 % (1.7 pts)     OPERATING STATISTICS   Operating Weekdays 63 62 2 % 191 190 1 %   Average Daily Package Volume (000s) FedEx Ground 3,445 3,216 7 % 3,385 3,125 8 % FedEx SmartPost 707 647 9 % 636 605 5 %   Yield (Revenue Per Package) FedEx Ground $7.50 $7.26 3 % $7.39 $7.14 4 % FedEx SmartPost $2.11 $1.92 10 % $2.08 $1.88 11 %   Prior year amounts have been revised to conform to the current year segment presentation. FEDEX FREIGHT SEGMENT FINANCIAL AND OPERATING HIGHLIGHTS                 Third Quarter Fiscal 2008 (Dollars in millions) (Unaudited)     Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Feb. 29, 2008 Feb. 28, 2007 % Feb. 29, 2008 Feb. 28, 2007 % FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS   Revenue $1,155 $1,101 5 % $3,624 $3,339 9 %   Operating Expenses: Salaries and employee benefits 582 569 2 % 1,784 1,645 8 % Purchased transportation 139 117 19 % 416 340 22 % Rentals and landing fees 30 30 — 87 83 5 % Depreciation and amortization 56 55 2 % 171 138 24 % Fuel 148 111 33 % 419 339 24 % Maintenance and repairs 39 42 (7 %) 131 119 10 % Intercompany charges 20 15 33 % 61 45 36 % Other 95   112   (15 %) 325   292   11 % Total Operating Expenses 1,109   1,051   6 % 3,394   3,001   13 %   Operating Income $46   $50   (8 %) $230   $338   (32 %)   Operating Margin 4.0 % 4.5 % (0.5 pts) 6.3 % 10.1 % (3.8 pts)     OPERATING STATISTICS   LTL Operating Weekdays 62 62 — 189 189 —   LTL Shipments Per Day (000s) 75 77 (3 %) 79 77 3 % Weight Per LTL Shipment (lbs) 1,143 1,129 1 % 1,134 1,128 1 % LTL Revenue/CWT $19.63 $18.68 5 % $19.53 $18.45 6 %     The results of operations for FedEx National LTL are included in our consolidated results from the date of acquisition on September 3, 2006.