FedEx Reports Third Quarter Earnings

FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) today reported earnings of $1.35 per diluted share for the third quarter ended February 28, compared to $1.38 per diluted share a year ago. Third quarter results were negatively impacted by a slowing economic environment, lower fuel surcharges and severe winter storms, with the storm impact estimated to be $0.06 per diluted share. Results for the quarter also include an $0.08 per diluted share benefit from a reduction in the company’s effective tax rate. FedEx Corp. reported the following consolidated results for the third quarter: • Revenue of $8.59 billion, up 7% from $8.00 billion the previous year • Operating income of $641 million, down 10% from $713 million a year ago • Operating margin of 7.5%, down from last year’s 8.9% • Net income of $420 million, down 2% from $428 million a year ago Total combined average daily package volume at FedEx Express and FedEx Ground grew 4% year over year for the quarter, led by ground and international express package growth. "The U.S. economy grew at a lower rate than we expected in the third quarter, and we saw continued adjustments in the automotive and housing markets. I believe, however, this represents a healthy transition for the economy as it phases into a more sustainable growth rate,” said Frederick W. Smith, FedEx Corp. chairman, president and chief executive officer. "FedEx is in excellent position to take full advantage of global economic-growth trends and deliver overall outstanding financial results in the long run.” Outlook For the fourth quarter, earnings are expected to be $1.93 to $2.08 per diluted share, while earnings for the full year are expected to be $6.45 to $6.60 per diluted share. Excluding the net impact of the costs associated with the new pilot labor contract, the updated guidance for fiscal 2007 is $6.70 to $6.85 per diluted share, an increase of 12% to 15% year over year excluding the impact of last year’s non-cash lease accounting charge. The capital spending forecast for fiscal 2007 is $3.0 billion. "Long-term we continue to maintain our goal of 10% to 15% annual earnings per share growth,” said Alan B. Graf, Jr., executive vice president and chief financial officer. "However, FedEx earnings growth in our upcoming fiscal 2008, excluding the 2007 net impact of the new pilot contract, may be below our long-term earnings target due to slower economic growth and planned investments in our businesses. Regardless, we remain highly focused on improving margins, cash flow and returns and are confident that we can achieve our long term earnings goals once economic conditions improve.” FedEx Express Segment For the third quarter, the FedEx Express segment reported: • Revenue of $5.52 billion, up 3% from last year’s $5.34 billion • Operating income of $391 million, down 12% from $446 million a year ago • Operating margin of 7.1%, down from 8.4% the previous year FedEx International Priority (IP) revenue grew 7% for the quarter, as IP revenue per package grew 4%, primarily due to favorable exchange rates, an increase in package weights and a higher rate per pound, offset by lower fuel surcharge. IP average daily package volume grew 3%. U.S. domestic revenue per package increased slightly, as increases in rate per pound were offset by lower fuel surcharge and changes in product mix. U.S. domestic average daily package volume declined 2%. Operating margin declined primarily due to lower revenue growth, the timing impact of fuel surcharges and severe winter weather. Last year’s third quarter benefited from the timing lag that exists between when the company purchases fuel and when indexed fuel surcharges automatically adjust. December 2005 fuel surcharges were set during the period fuel prices had spiked following Hurricane Katrina. During the quarter, FedEx completed the acquisitions of ANC Holdings Ltd., a United Kingdom domestic express transportation company, and Prakash Air Freight Pvt. Ltd., its Indian express service company. Neither acquisition materially affected segment financial results for the quarter. However, the increase in purchased transportation was primarily driven by these acquisitions. FedEx Express also completed the acquisition of the express business of China’s DTW Group on March 1 and will initiate a China domestic express service beginning in May 2007. These strategic investments will expand the company’s global service offerings and deliver additional value to shareowners. FedEx Ground Segment For the third quarter, the FedEx Ground segment reported: • Revenue of $1.52 billion up 12% from last year’s $1.36 billion • Operating income of $196 million, up 5% from $187 million a year ago • Operating margin of 12.9%, down from 13.7% the previous year FedEx Ground average daily package volume grew 9% year over year in the third quarter due to increased commercial business and the continued strong growth in the FedEx Home Delivery service. Yield improved 2% primarily due to the impact of general rate increases and extra service revenues. Operating margin was lower due to the timing impact of fuel surcharges, increased purchased transportation costs, severe winter weather and higher expenses associated with network expansion, which more than offset improved results at FedEx SmartPost. FedEx Freight Segment For the third quarter, the FedEx Freight segment reported: • Revenue of $1.10 billion, up 30% from last year’s $848 million • Operating income of $50 million, down 32% from $73 million a year ago • Operating margin of 4.5%, down from 8.6% the previous year Less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments increased 20% year over year due to the Watkins acquisition (now rebranded as FedEx National LTL). Excluding FedEx National LTL, average daily LTL shipments at FedEx Freight regional were down slightly year over year. LTL yield improved 12% year over year reflecting higher yields from longer-haul FedEx National LTL shipments and higher rates. Operating margin declined during the quarter primarily due to operating losses at FedEx National LTL, which resulted from softening volumes and ongoing investments to re-engineer its network. Severe winter weather also impacted operating income and margin. FedEx Kinko’s Segment For the third quarter, the FedEx Kinko's segment reported: • Revenue of $485 million, down 3% from last year's $501 million • Operating income of $4 million, down 43% from $7 million a year ago • Operating margin of 0.8%, down from 1.4% the previous year The FedEx Kinko's revenue decrease for the quarter was primarily due to declines in copy product revenues, which more than offset higher package acceptance fees paid by FedEx Express and FedEx Ground. Operating margin was negatively impacted by the copy product revenue decline, network expansion costs and higher employee development and training costs. FedEx Kinko's continues a company-wide effort to refocus resources on core business priorities, including a multi-year network expansion using a lower-cost model. In the first nine months of the fiscal year, the company opened 150 centers and plans for a total of approximately 200 new locations by the end of FY07. In addition, FedEx Kinko's launched Print Online in October and is excited about the future prospects of this new Web-based, print-on-demand application. Tax Rate The company’s effective tax rate was reduced to 33.2% for the third quarter and to 36.7% year to date. The rate reduction was primarily attributable to the conclusion of various state and federal audits and appeals. The company’s fourth quarter effective tax rate is expected to be approximately 39% due to tax charges we expect to incur as a result of a reorganization in Asia associated with the company’s acquisition in China. The company’s effective tax rate for all of 2007 is expected to be approximately 37.5%. 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 $35 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 275,000 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 www.fedex.com. Additional information and operating data are contained in the company’s annual report, Form 10-K, Form 10-Qs and third quarter FY2007 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 21, 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, 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. RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES TO GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES   The company believes that meaningful analysis of our financial performance requires an understanding of the factors underlying that performance and our judgments about the likelihood that particular factors will repeat.  Excluding the net impact of the costs associated with the new pilot labor contract from this year’s guidance and the impact of the non-cash lease accounting charge from last year’s results will allow more accurate comparisons to prior periods of our operating performance in fiscal 2007.  As required by SEC rules, the tables below present a reconciliation of our presented non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measures.   FY07 Diluted EPS Guidance FY06 Diluted EPS Earnings Growth, FY07 vs. FY06 Non-GAAP measures $6.70 – $6.85  $5.98  12% – 15% Impact of new pilot contract, net of variable compensation and income taxes     (0.25) – (0.25)     Lease accounting charge, net of variable compensation and income taxes       (0.15)   GAAP measures $6.45 – $6.60  $5.83  11% – 13% FEDEX CORP. FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS   Third Quarter Fiscal 2007 (In millions, except earnings per share and FTEs) (Unaudited)   Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended February 28 February 28 2007  2006  % 2007  2006  % Revenue: FedEx Express segment $5,523  $5,340  3% $16,856  $15,832  6% FedEx Ground segment 1,523  1,363  12% 4,460  3,889  15% FedEx Freight segment 1,101  848  30% 3,339  2,672  25% FedEx Kinko's segment 485  501  (3%) 1,508  1,546  (2%) Other & eliminations (40) (49) NM  (100) (139) NM  Total Revenue 8,592  8,003  7% 26,063  23,800  10%   Operating Expenses: Salaries and employee benefits 3,414  3,162  8% 10,225  9,305  10% Purchased transportation 1,009  814  24% 2,901  2,397  21% Rentals and landing fees 598  577  4% 1,752  1,826  (4%) Depreciation and amortization 449  391  15% 1,278  1,147  11% Fuel 829  774  7% 2,630  2,393  10% Maintenance and repairs 484  427  13% 1,491  1,340  11% Other 1,168  1,145  2% 3,522  3,305  7% Total Operating Expenses 7,951  7,290  9% 23,799  21,713  10%   Operating Income: FedEx Express segment 391  446  (12%) 1,360  1,207  13% FedEx Ground segment 196  187  5% 544  498  9% FedEx Freight segment 50  73  (32%) 338  343  (1%) FedEx Kinko's segment 4  7  (43%) 22  39  (44%) Other & eliminations —  —  NM  —  —  NM  Total Operating Income 641  713  (10%) 2,264  2,087  8%   Other Income (Expense): Interest, net (11) (28) (61%) (37) (82) (55%) Other, net (1) (2) (50%) (5) (13) (62%) Total Other Income (Expense) (12) (30) (60%) (42) (95) (56%)   Pretax Income 629  683  (8%) 2,222  1,992  12%   Provision for Income Taxes 209  255  (18%) 816  754  8%   Net Income $420  $428  (2%) $1,406  $1,238  14%   Diluted Earnings Per Share $1.35  $1.38  (2%) $4.52  $4.01  13%   Weighted Average Common and Common Equivalent Shares 311  310  0% 311  309  1%   Capital Expenditures $653  $530  23% $2,112  $1,856  14%   Average Full-Time Equivalents (000s) 242  223  9% 237  221  7% FEDEX CORP. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS   Third Quarter Fiscal 2007 (In millions)   Feb. 28, 2007 May 31, 2006 ASSETS (Unaudited)   Current Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,770  $ 1,937  Other current assets 4,997  4,527  Total Current Assets 6,767  6,464    Net Property and Equipment 12,169  10,770    Other Long-Term Assets 6,037  5,456    $24,973  $22,690      LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' INVESTMENT   Current Liabilities: Current portion of long-term debt $ 1,259  $ 850  Other current liabilities 4,511  4,623  Total Current Liabilities 5,770  5,473    Long-Term Debt, Less Current Portion 2,005  1,592    Other Long-Term Liabilities 4,188  4,114    Total Common Stockholders' Investment 13,010  11,511    $24,973  $22,690  FEDEX CORP. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS   Third Quarter Fiscal 2007 (In millions) (Unaudited)   Nine Months Ended February 28 2007  2006    Operating Activities: Net income $1,406  $ 1,238  Noncash charges: Depreciation and amortization 1,278  1,145  Other, net 110  243  Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net (690) (407)   Net cash provided by operating activities 2,104  2,219    Investing Activities: Capital expenditures (2,112) (1,856) Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired (991) —  Proceeds from asset dispositions and other 35  44    Net cash used in investing activities (3,068) (1,812)   Financing Activities: Proceeds from debt issuances 1,054  —  Dividends paid (83) (73) Other, net (174) (252)   Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 797  (325)   Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents (167) 82    Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 1,937  1,039  Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $1,770  $ 1,121  FEDEX EXPRESS SEGMENT FINANCIAL AND OPERATING HIGHLIGHTS   Third Quarter Fiscal 2007 (Dollars in millions) (Unaudited)   Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended February 28 February 28 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS 2007  2006  % 2007  2006  %   Revenue $5,523  $5,340  3% $16,856  $15,832  6%   Operating Expenses: Salaries and employee benefits 2,043  2,019  1% 6,161  5,949  4% Purchased transportation 300  238  26% 832  715  16% Rentals and landing fees 411  408  1% 1,201  1,300  (8%) Depreciation and amortization 216  203  6% 629  599  5% Fuel 691  666  4% 2,205  2,054  7% Maintenance and repairs 357  320  12% 1,120  1,020  10% Intercompany charges 503  386  30% 1,539  1,127  37% Other 611  654  (7%) 1,809  1,861  (3%) Total Operating Expenses 5,132  4,894  5% 15,496  14,625  6%   Operating Income $391  $446  (12%) $1,360  $1,207  13%   Operating Margin 7.1% 8.4% 8.1% 7.6%   OPERATING STATISTICS   Operating Weekdays 62  62  —  190  190  —    AVG DAILY VOLUME / POUNDS Average Daily Package Volume (000s):   U.S. Overnight Box 1,191  1,225  (3%) 1,180  1,205  (2%) U.S. Overnight Envelope 699  711  (2%) 701  708  (1%) U.S. Deferred 965  965  —  904  916  (1%) Total U.S. Domestic Package 2,855  2,901  (2%) 2,785  2,829  (2%) International Priority1 490  474  3% 486  463  5% Total Average Daily Packages 3,345  3,375  (1%) 3,271  3,292  (1%)   Average Daily Freight Pounds (000s):   U.S. 9,785  9,619  2% 9,688  9,343  4% International Priority Freight1 1,845  1,620  14% 1,866  1,585  18% International ATA/IXF 1,715  2,177  (21%) 1,855  2,165  (14%) Total Avg Daily Freight Pounds 13,345  13,416  (1%) 13,409  13,093  2%   YIELD Revenue Per Package:   U.S. Overnight Box $21.29  $21.03  1% $21.68  $20.80  4% U.S. Overnight Envelope 11.01  11.01  —  11.09  10.81  3% U.S. Deferred 12.37  12.54  (1%) 12.58  12.29  2% Total U.S. Domestic Package 15.76  15.75  0% 16.06  15.55  3% International Priority1 52.52  50.62  4% 53.73  51.03  5% Composite Package Yield $21.14  $20.65  2% $21.65  $20.54  5%   Revenue Per Freight Pound:   U.S. $0.97  $0.96  1% $0.99  $0.93  6% International Priority Freight1 2.20  2.01  9% 2.18  1.96  11% International ATA/IXF 0.85  0.80  6% 0.85  0.80  6% Composite Freight Yield $1.12  $1.06  6% $1.13  $1.03  10%   Average Full-Time Equivalents (000s) 125  126  (1%) 122  125  (2%)   (1) Certain statistics previously included within International Priority (IP) package statistics in the table above that were IP freight shipments have been reclassed to International Priority Freight statistics to more precisely present the nature of the services provided. FEDEX GROUND SEGMENT FINANCIAL AND OPERATING HIGHLIGHTS   Third Quarter Fiscal 2007 (Dollars in millions) (Unaudited)   Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended February 28 February 28 2007  2006  % 2007  2006  % FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS   Revenue $1,523  $1,363  12% $4,460  $3,889  15%   Operating Expenses: Salaries and employee benefits 251  237  6% 748  688  9% Purchased transportation 597  517  15% 1,742  1,489  17% Rentals 45  35  29% 125  102  23% Depreciation and amortization 71  58  22% 197  161  22% Fuel 26  21  24% 85  66  29% Maintenance and repairs 35  29  21% 98  86  14% Intercompany charges 141  135  4% 424  384  10% Other 161  144  12% 497  415  20% Total Operating Expenses 1,327  1,176  13% 3,916  3,391  15%   Operating Income $196  $187  5% $544  $498  9%   Operating Margin 12.9% 13.7% 12.2% 12.8%     OPERATING STATISTICS   Operating Weekdays 62  62  —  190  190  —    Average Daily Package Volume1 (000s) 3,216  2,944  9% 3,125  2,788  12% Yield (Revenue Per Package)1 $7.26  $7.10  2% $7.14  $6.97  2%     (1) Package statistics exclude FedEx SmartPost. FEDEX FREIGHT SEGMENT FINANCIAL AND OPERATING HIGHLIGHTS   Third Quarter Fiscal 2007 (Dollars in millions) (Unaudited)   Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended February 28 February 28 2007  2006  % 2007  2006  % FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS   Revenue $1,101  $848  30% $3,339  $2,672  25%   Operating Expenses: Salaries and employee benefits 569  449  27% 1,645  1,330  24% Purchased transportation 117  68  72% 340  221  54% Rentals and landing fees 30  23  30% 83  72  15% Depreciation and amortization 55  29  90% 138  88  57% Fuel 111  87  28% 339  273  24% Maintenance and repairs 42  30  40% 119  88  35% Intercompany charges 15  9  67% 45  27  67% Other 112  80  40% 292  230  27% Total Operating Expenses 1,051  775  36% 3,001  2,329  29%   Operating Income $50  $73  (32%) $338  $343  (1%)   Operating Margin 4.5% 8.6% 10.1% 12.8%     OPERATING STATISTICS   LTL Operating Weekdays 62  62  —  189  189  —    LTL Shipments Per Day (000s) 77  64  20% 77  66  17% Weight Per LTL Shipment (lbs) 1,129  1,141  (1%) 1,128  1,145  (1%) LTL Revenue/CWT $18.68  $16.74  12% $18.45  $16.70  10%     The results of operations for FedEx National LTL are included in our consolidated results from the date of acquisition on September 3, 2006. FEDEX KINKO'S SEGMENT FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS   Third Quarter Fiscal 2007 (Dollars in millions) (Unaudited)   Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended February 28 February 28 2007  2006  % 2007  2006  % FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS   Revenue $485  $501  (3%) $1,508  $1,546  (2%)   Operating Expenses: Salaries and employee benefits 186  185  1% 575  561  2% Rentals 92  94  (2%) 282  295  (4%) Depreciation and amortization 35  35  —  104  108  (4%) Maintenance and repairs 17  18  (6%) 49  55  (11%) Intercompany charges 13  8  63% 40  18  NM  Other operating expenses: Supplies, including paper and toner 63  67  (6%) 196  204  (4%) Other 75  87  (14%) 240  266  (10%) Total Operating Expenses 481  494  (3%) 1,486  1,507  (1%)   Operating Income $4  $7  (43%) $22  $39  (44%)   Operating Margin 0.8% 1.4% 1.5% 2.5%