10-QPeriod: Q2 FY2002

FEDEX CORP Quarterly Report for Q2 Ended Nov 30, 2001

Filed January 14, 2002For Securities:FDX

Summary

FedEx Corporation reported solid revenue growth of 5% for both the three and six months ended November 30, 2001, compared to the prior year. This growth was primarily driven by strong performance in the FedEx Ground segment and the inclusion of American Freightways (now FedEx Freight). While FedEx Express experienced a revenue decline due to the economic slowdown and the September 11th terrorist attacks, overall operating income saw a significant increase of 26% for the quarter, driven by operational efficiencies, lower fuel costs, and government compensation for post-9/11 losses. Despite economic challenges and the impact of the September 11th events, FedEx demonstrated resilience. The company received $116 million in compensation under the Air Transportation Safety and System Stabilization Act, significantly offsetting losses at FedEx Express. Furthermore, the company is strategically managing its capital expenditures and investing in growth areas like FedEx Ground and FedEx Freight, indicating a focus on long-term value creation for shareholders. The adoption of new accounting standards for goodwill also eliminated amortization expenses, positively impacting reported earnings.

Key Highlights

  • 1Revenue increased by 5% for both the three and six months ended November 30, 2001, compared to the prior year, driven by FedEx Ground and FedEx Freight.
  • 2Operating income saw a substantial 26% increase in the three-month period and a 2% increase in the six-month period, demonstrating improved profitability.
  • 3FedEx Express experienced a revenue decline due to economic weakness and the September 11th attacks, but received $116 million in government compensation.
  • 4FedEx Ground showed strong performance with a 16% revenue increase and a 40% rise in operating income.
  • 5The company adopted new accounting standards for goodwill (SFAS 142), ceasing goodwill amortization, which positively impacted earnings.
  • 6Capital expenditures were managed, with a focus on strategic investments in information technology and ground network expansion.
  • 7Cash and cash equivalents increased significantly to $248 million from $121 million at the prior year-end, supported by strong operating cash flow.

Frequently Asked Questions

The September 11th attacks significantly impacted FedEx Express, causing mandatory aircraft groundings, substantial revenue losses, and increased operational costs. FedEx Express recognized $116 million in compensation from the U.S. government under the Air Transportation Safety and System Stabilization Act to mitigate these losses. While FedEx Ground and FedEx Freight were less affected, the overall impact on FedEx Express's revenue was substantial, though mitigated by government aid.

FedEx anticipates continued economic weakness impacting FedEx Express volumes, projecting modest declines for the upcoming quarters. However, FedEx Ground is expected to maintain strong volume growth. The company plans to manage capital spending, control discretionary expenses, and invest strategically in areas like information technology and ground network expansion to support long-term growth, while expecting to generate profits and positive cash flows.

FedEx adopted SFAS 142, 'Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,' which requires the cessation of goodwill amortization. This resulted in the elimination of goodwill amortization expenses, positively impacting reported earnings. The company also recognized a $25 million goodwill impairment charge in the first quarter due to economic conditions affecting a specific subsidiary.

FedEx has maintained a strong liquidity position, with cash and cash equivalents increasing to $248 million. Operating cash flow for the six months was robust at $1,064 million, exceeding investing activities and generating free cash flow. The company has $1 billion in revolving credit facilities available and is focused on managing capital expenditures based on volume levels and deferring non-essential spending while continuing strategic investments.