10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2006

FEDEX CORP Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Aug 31, 2005

Filed September 23, 2005For Securities:FDX

Summary

FedEx Corporation reported solid performance for the first quarter of fiscal year 2006, ending August 31, 2005. Revenues grew by 10% year-over-year, reaching $7.7 billion, driven by volume and yield improvements across all transportation segments. Net income saw a modest increase of 3% to $339 million, with diluted earnings per share rising to $1.10 from $1.08 in the prior year period. The company's operational efficiency and strategic investments appear to be paying off, although operating income growth was tempered by a one-time, non-cash lease accounting charge of $79 million impacting FedEx Express. Key drivers of growth included strong international volume at FedEx Express and continued expansion at FedEx Ground. The company also managed increased fuel costs effectively through fuel surcharges, which largely offset higher expenses in jet and diesel fuel. Despite facing potential headwinds from Hurricane Katrina and ongoing pilot contract negotiations, FedEx maintains a positive outlook for continued revenue and earnings growth in fiscal year 2006, supported by expected strong customer demand and economic conditions.

Key Highlights

  • 1Total revenues increased by 10% to $7.7 billion for the three months ended August 31, 2005, compared to $7.0 billion in the prior year.
  • 2Net income rose by 3% to $339 million, with diluted EPS improving to $1.10 from $1.08.
  • 3FedEx Express revenue increased 11% driven by International Priority (IP) and U.S. domestic package volumes, despite a $75 million lease accounting charge.
  • 4FedEx Ground saw revenue growth of 14%, fueled by volume and yield improvements and the inclusion of FedEx SmartPost.
  • 5FedEx Freight's operating income surged by 31% due to revenue growth and effective cost management.
  • 6Capital expenditures increased significantly to $671 million from $395 million, primarily for aircraft at FedEx Express to support IP volume growth.
  • 7The company executed a new $1.0 billion five-year revolving credit facility in July 2005, with no commercial paper borrowings outstanding as of August 31, 2005.

Frequently Asked Questions

FedEx largely offset increased fuel costs through revenue from fuel surcharges applied to its shipping services. While there is a lag in adjusting these surcharges, the company's surcharges, particularly for jet and diesel fuel, were sufficient to mitigate the impact of higher prices on its operating income during the quarter.

FedEx recorded a one-time, non-cash charge of $79 million ($49 million after tax, or $0.16 per diluted share) to adjust prior years' accounting for certain facility leases, primarily at FedEx Express. This adjustment corrected the recognition of rent escalation clauses in on-airport facility leases, ensuring rent expense is recognized evenly over the lease term. This charge reduced operating income by $75 million (before variable compensation effects) within the FedEx Express segment.

While Hurricane Katrina affected operations in the Gulf Coast region, its impact on FedEx's results for the first quarter was not significant, as only three business days were affected. The company provided relief services and cash contributions to aid efforts. Future impacts, particularly on the second quarter, are expected due to disruptions in shipping services and business operations in the affected region. The assessable amount of recoverable losses is still pending.

The collective bargaining agreement for FedEx Express pilots became amendable on May 31, 2004, and negotiations with the pilots' union are ongoing. The company is operating under the current agreement while continuing negotiations, which have recently involved private facilitation sessions. FedEx is unable to estimate the financial impact of the outcome of these negotiations.