Category Archives: FedEx Corporation

FedEx Express increases the number of countries for its International First® early delivery service to 97

FedEx is expanding solutions for global customers who need their critical deliveries to arrive as early as the start of the next business day.

FedEx Express (Memphis), a subsidiary of FedEx Corporation, and the world’s largest express transportation company, is broadening the FedEx ‘International First®’ early delivery service, increasing the number of origin markets to include the following:

Austria

Bahrain

Belize

Bolivia

China

Czech Republic

Denmark

Ecuador

El Salvador

Finland

Guiana (Guyana)

Guyana

Honduras

Hungary

India

Indonesia

Korea

Kuwait

Malaysia

Nicaragua

Norway

Paraguay

Peru

Philippines

Portugal

Poland

Singapore

Suriname (Surinam)

Sweden

Thailand

United Arab Emirates

This expansion brings the total number of origin markets to 97, and means that customers can now use FedEx International First to ship packages from the above countries to any of the existing International First destination markets.

Depending on origin and destination, FedEx International First shipments arrive within one to three business days, often at the start of the business day. The service is most often used for business documents, electronic and high tech equipment, medical devices, clinical trials and gear for the entertainment industry–shipments that require delivery on a tight deadline.

About FedEx International First

FedEx International First is a time-definite, customs cleared, door-to-door express service with a pre-defined delivery commitment for shipments up to 150 lbs. per package. Customers receive International First deliveries as early as 8 a.m. in the United States, 9 a.m. in Europe, and 10 a.m. in Asia, Canada and Latin America. While the range of shipments is broad, it’s often the delivery service of choice for customers shipping time-sensitive materials.

FedEx Express:

FedEx is forecasting another record holiday season with an 8.8% increase and December 15 as the busiest day

FedEx Corporation (FedEx Express) (Memphis) is forecasting another record holiday. The company expects to move more than 290 million shipments between Black Friday and Christmas Eve, an 8.8 percent increase in overall year-over-year Peak seasonal volume.

The season is expected to be bolstered by three volume spikes throughout December, occurring the first three Mondays of the month and each expected to surpass 20 million in volume.

December 15 is projected to be the busiest day in company history, with a forecasted 22.6 million shipments moving around the world. Peak projections are included in FedEx earnings guidance for FY15.

Copyright Photo: Ken Petersen/AirlinersGallery.com. An upgraded McDonnell Douglas MD-10-30F (DC-10-30F) registered as N321FE (msn 47836) arrives in Las Vegas.

FedEx Express Aircraft Slide Show:

FedEx pilots to conduct informational picketing today

FedEx Express‘ (Memphis) 4,200 pilots, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), will conduct informational picketing on Tuesday, September 23, in three cities to show, according to the union, “their continuing frustration with ongoing contract negotiations and their resolute support of their Negotiating Committee.”

Informational picketing will take place on Tuesday, September 23, at the following locations and times (all times are local):

Anchorage
Outside FedEx sorting facility at Ted Stevens
Anchorage Int’l Airport, corner of Postmark
Drive and Rockwell Avenue
11:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Los Angeles
Maguire Gardens (South Flower Street and
West 5th Street)
11:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Memphis
Outside FedEx Air Operations Center (3131
Democrat Road)
Noon to 12:30 p.m.

According to the union, “FedEx Express and its pilot group came to a historic collective bargaining agreement in 2011. What made this agreement historic was the commitment to continue bargaining so as to foster a more efficient negotiating climate when formal negotiations commenced in 2013 despite having achieved a contract. “There was a real opportunity to fix some difficult problems with well-developed long-term solutions and without the pressure that comes with traditional bargaining. Unfortunately, management chose a different route,” said Captain Scott Stratton, chairman of the ALPA FedEx Master Executive Council. “We should have had a new contract by now, but instead we have spent too much time mired in a ‘traditional’ bargaining situation that does not promote good labor-management relations. In spite of management’s actions, the pilots remain committed to achieving a responsible negotiated agreement that recognizes our contributions to FedEx’s remarkable profitability.”

Copyright Photo: Ken Petersen/AirlinersGallery.com. McDonnell Douglas MD-10-10F (DC-10-10F) N554FE (msn 46708) lands at Raleigh/Durham.

FedEx Express:

FedEx Corporation’s earnings surge in the first quarter to $606 million

FedEx Corporation (FedEx Express) (Memphis) reported its earnings for its fiscal first quarter surged by 24 percent to net income of $606 million. The corporation issued this financial report:

FedEx Corporation today reported earnings of $2.10 per diluted share for the first quarter ended August 31, up 37% from last year’s $1.53 per share.

First Quarter Results

FedEx Corp. reported the following consolidated results for the first quarter:

• Revenue of $11.7 billion, up 6% from $11.0 billion the previous year

• Operating income of $987 million, up 24% from $795 million last year

• Operating margin of 8.5%, up from 7.2% the previous year

• Net income of $606 million, up 24% from last year’s $489 million

Operating income increased primarily due to higher volumes and increased yields at all three transportation segments. Results in the first quarter also include benefits from lower pension expense and the company’s profit improvement programs. These benefits were partially offset by higher aircraft maintenance expense due to the timing of certain engine maintenance events.

During the quarter, the company acquired 5.3 million shares of FedEx common stock. As of August 31, 2014, no shares remained under the existing share repurchase authorizations. Share repurchases benefited earnings in the quarter by $0.15 per diluted share.

Outlook

FedEx reaffirmed its fiscal 2015 earnings forecast of $8.50 to $9.00 per diluted share. The outlook assumes no net year-over-year fuel impact and continued moderate economic growth. The capital spending forecast for fiscal 2015 remains $4.2 billion.

“FedEx reported strong first quarter results, as all three of our transportation segments drove higher revenues and improved profitability year over year,” said Alan B. Graf, Jr., FedEx Corp. executive vice president and chief financial officer. “Our profit improvement programs are progressing as planned and we continue to expect strong earnings growth this year.”

2015 Rate Increases

As previously announced, FedEx Express, FedEx Ground and FedEx Freight will increase shipping rates effective January 5, 2015.

FedEx Express will increase shipping rates by an average of 4.9% for U.S. domestic, U.S. export and U.S. import services.

FedEx Ground and FedEx Home Delivery will increase shipping rates by an average of 4.9%. In addition, as announced in May, FedEx Ground will also begin applying dimensional weight pricing to all shipments.

FedEx Freight will increase shipping rates by an average of 4.9%. This rate change applies to eligible FedEx Freight shipments within the U.S. (including Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands), between the contiguous U.S. and Canada, within Canada, between the contiguous U.S. and Mexico, and within Mexico.

Details of all changes to rates and surcharges are available at fedex.com/us/2015rates.

Corporate Headquarters Costs

Effective this fiscal year, the company ceased allocating to its transportation segments the costs associated with the corporate headquarters division. These costs are now included in “Corporate, eliminations and other.” Prior year amounts in this release have been revised to conform to the current presentation.

FedEx Express Segment

For the first quarter, the FedEx Express segment reported:

• Revenue of $6.86 billion, up 4% from last year’s $6.61 billion

• Operating income of $369 million, up 35% from $273 million a year ago

• Operating margin of 5.4%, up from 4.1% the previous year

Revenue increased due to higher U.S. domestic package volume and international export package yields partially offset by lower freight revenue. U.S. domestic package volume grew 5%, as 8% growth in overnight and deferred box volume was partially offset by lower envelope volume. U.S. domestic yield increased 1% from higher fuel surcharges, changes in service mix and increased rates. FedEx International Priority® volume grew 1%, while FedEx International Economy® volume increased 3%. International export revenue per package increased 3% due to fuel surcharges, higher rates and weight per package.

Operating income and margin improved as higher U.S. domestic package volume, improved international export yield and benefits from profit improvement programs more than offset higher aircraft maintenance expense and lower freight revenues.

Copyright Photo: Steve Bailey/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 777-FHT N883FD (msn 39285) of FedEx Express climbs away from the runway at Anchorage Ted Stevens International Airport (ANC).

FedEx Express:

FedEx Corporation reports fiscal year net income of $1.56 billion

FedEx Corporation (FedEx Express) (Memphis) reported earnings of $2.46 per diluted share for the fourth quarter ended May 31. Last year’s fourth quarter earnings were $2.13 per diluted share, excluding a $0.98 per diluted share business realignment program charge and a $0.20 per diluted share noncash aircraft impairment charge at FedEx Express. Including last year’s charges, earnings were $0.95 per diluted share.

“An outstanding fourth quarter helped FedEx post solid results for fiscal 2014, and we believe we are well positioned for a strong fiscal 2015,” said Frederick W. Smith, FedEx Corp. chairman, president and chief executive officer. “I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to the entire FedEx team for their contribution to our results and their continued commitment to providing outstanding service to our customers and connecting people and possibilities around the world.”

For its entire fiscal year the cooperation reported net income (GAAP) of $1.56 billion.

Read the full report: CLICK HERE

Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 777-FS2 N857FD (msn 37728) climbs into the sky at Anchorage International Airport (ANC).

FedEx Express:

FedEx misses second quarter Wall Street estimates but still reports net income of $500 million, up 14%

FedEx Corporation (FedEx Express) (Memphis) today reported earnings of $1.57 per diluted share for the second quarter ended November 30, compared to $1.39 per share last year. Last year’s second quarter results were impacted by $0.11 per diluted share due to the effects of Superstorm Sandy.

“FedEx posted solid second-quarter earnings, reflecting improved performance at FedEx Express, as the profit improvement plan introduced more than a year ago continues to gain momentum,” said Frederick W. Smith, FedEx Corp. chairman, president and chief executive officer. “The power of our broad global portfolio continues to drive our growth and I am confident we are well on our way to achieving the ambitious goals we have set.”

Second Quarter Results

FedEx Corp. reported the following consolidated results for the second quarter:

• Revenue of $11.4 billion, up 3% from $11.1 billion the previous year

• Operating income of $827 million, up 15% from $718 million last year

• Operating margin of 7.3%, up from 6.5% the previous year

• Net income of $500 million, up 14% from last year’s $438 million

Operating income and margin increased primarily due to yield and cost management at FedEx Express. Results also benefited from the favorable comparison to last year’s Sandy-impacted results, lower pension expense and a modest benefit from the voluntary employee severance program.

In October, FedEx Corporation announced the authorization of a new share repurchase program of up to 32 million shares of common stock, which augmented the 7.4 million shares then remaining under the previously authorized repurchase program. During the second quarter, the company repurchased 7.2 million shares of FedEx common stock, increasing the fiscal 2014 year-to-date purchase total to 10.0 million shares. The second quarter share repurchases had no effect on the quarter’s earnings per share, but are expected to improve full year earnings by $0.04 per share.

Outlook

FedEx is increasing its forecast of full-year earnings per share growth to 8% to 14% above last year’s adjusted results, compared to its previous growth range of 7% to 13%. This outlook reflects share repurchases made to date but does not include any benefit from additional share repurchases. Share repurchases are expected to continue, but the timing will be at the company’s discretion. The outlook also assumes the market outlook for fuel prices and continued moderate economic growth. The capital spending forecast for fiscal 2014 remains $4 billion.

“We remain on track to deliver a solid increase in earnings this fiscal year,” said Alan B. Graf, Jr., FedEx Corp. executive vice president and chief financial officer. “FedEx Express reported significant year-over-year improvement in earnings during the quarter, aided by continued execution of our profit improvement programs and by ongoing cost reduction initiatives. We continue to look for additional ways to improve efficiencies and remain committed to increasing long-term shareowner value.”

FedEx Express Segment

For the second quarter, the FedEx Express segment reported:

• Revenue of $6.84 billion, down slightly from last year’s $6.86 billion

• Operating income of $326 million, up 42% from $230 million a year ago

• Operating margin of 4.8%, up from 3.4% the previous year

Revenue decreased slightly due to lower express freight revenue and lower fuel surcharges, mostly offset by increased base package yields. U.S. domestic revenue per package increased 2%, as higher rates and weight per package were partially offset by lower fuel surcharges. U.S. domestic average daily package volume decreased slightly.

FedEx International Priority® (IP) revenue per package increased 3% while average daily volume declined 5%. Within the IP category, average daily volume for the lower-yielding distribution services declined while IP average daily volume, excluding these distribution services, increased 1%. FedEx International Economy® average daily volume grew 10%.

Operating income and margin improved year over year due to higher base package yields, lower pension expense, and lower net expenses from ongoing cost reduction activities.

Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing/AirlinersGallery.com. A beautiful takeoff portrait of FedEx Express’ Boeing 777-FS2 N852FD (msn 37723) after a stop at Anchorage, Alaska (click on the photo for the full-size view).

FedEx Express:

Video: How FedEx turns a Boeing 757 freighter in 55 minutes:

Video: FedEx has great TV advertisements that have won several marketing awards. Here is the latest for Christmas 2013:

FedEx Corporation reports net income of $489 million in the fiscal 1Q, up 7%

FedEx Corporation (FedEx Express) (Memphis) reported earnings of $1.53 per diluted share for the first quarter ended August 31, compared to $1.45 per share last year.

“Growth in overall demand for our broad global portfolio of solutions drove our improved first quarter results,” said Frederick W. Smith, FedEx Corp. chairman, president and chief executive officer. “FedEx Express remains focused on reducing costs while facing challenging global economic conditions. Meanwhile, FedEx Ground continues to generate strong profitability on growing customer demand for its services.”

First Quarter Results

FedEx Corp. reported the following consolidated results for the first quarter:

• Revenue of $11.0 billion, up 2% from $10.8 billion the previous year

• Operating income of $795 million, up 7% from $742 million last year

• Operating margin of 7.2%, up from 6.9% the previous year

• Net income of $489 million, up 7% from last year’s $459 million

Revenue and earnings increased during the quarter, driven by solid performance at each of the company’s transportation segments. Results include significant headwinds from the net year-over-year impact from the timing lag that exists between when fuel prices change and indexed fuel surcharges automatically adjust, as well as one fewer operating day.

Outlook

FedEx reaffirmed its forecast of full-year earnings per share growth of 7% to 13% from last year’s adjusted results. This outlook assumes the market outlook for fuel prices, U.S. GDP growth of 2.1% and world GDP growth of 2.6%. The capital spending forecast for fiscal 2014 remains $4 billion.

“We remain confident in our full year earnings outlook despite tepid global economic growth,” said Alan B. Graf, Jr., FedEx Corp. executive vice president and chief financial officer. “FedEx Express continued to execute on its profit improvement initiatives during our first quarter. We remain focused and are committed to FedEx Express achieving its $1.6 billion operating profit improvement target by the end of fiscal 2016.”

2014 Rate Increases

FedEx Express will increase shipping rates by an average of 3.9% for U.S. domestic, U.S. export and U.S. import services effective January 6, 2014. The FedEx Ground and FedEx SmartPost pricing changes for 2014 will be announced later this year. FedEx Freight implemented a 4.5% general rate increase on July 1, 2013.

Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 777-FS2 N852FD (msn 37723) approaches Anchorage International Airport for landing.

FedEx Express:

FedEx Express takes delivery of its first Boeing 767-300F freighter

Boeing (Chicago) and FedEx Express (Memphis), an operating company of FedEx Corp. (Memphis), yesterday (September 4) celebrated the delivery of the company’s first 767-300 freighter. The delivery supports the FedEx strategy to modernize its fleet with more efficient freighters.

The 767 Freighter is an ideal upgrade for the fleet serving the FedEx Express domestic network, providing improved fuel, maintenance and cost savings over the MD-10 freighters it will replace. FedEx Express gains additional efficiency through the ability to share parts, tooling and flight simulators between the 767 and the more than 70 757 freighters already in its fleet.

The 767 freighter is based on the popular 767-300 ER (extended range) passenger airplane. Able to carry approximately 58 tons (52.7 tons) of revenue cargo with intercontinental range, the 767 Freighter is ideal for developing new long-haul, regional or feeder markets.

The airplane joins other Boeing freighters in the FedEx fleet such as the MD-10, MD-11, 757 and the 777.

Copyright Photo: Nick Dean/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 767-3S2F N101FE (msn 42706) is pictured at Paine Field near Everett, WA on a test flight prior to the official hand over.

FedEx Express:

The End of an Era: FedEx Express retires the last Boeing 727 today after 35 years

FedEx Express (Memphis) has replaced and will retire the last Boeing 727 (N481FE) at Memphis today.

The company has just issued this statement:

For 35 years, Boeing 727 aircraft were a reliable workhorse for the world’s largest express transportation company. Today, the venerable 727 narrow-body freighter closes an enduring chapter in aviation history as FedEx becomes the last major carrier to retire the aircraft from service. The retirement is part of the company’s aircraft modernization strategy.

The 727’s domestic mission will conclude at 1:30 p.m. CDT as FedEx aircraft N481FE touches down at the FedEx Express World Hub at Memphis International Airport. Greeting its arrival will be more than 1,000 company executives, air operations team members and other guests who will mark the airplane’s historic last flight with a special ceremony.

A departure ceremony at the FedEx hub in Indianapolis, which has served as the company’s primary base for 727 general maintenance checks, begins the historic farewell flight.

“For more than three decades, our Boeing 727 fleet was instrumental in our company’s domestic growth,” said David J. Bronczek, president and chief executive officer, FedEx Express. “Today, we are opening a new chapter for company growth and opportunity as we continue to modernize our global fleet with more technologically advanced, fuel efficient, lower emission cargo jets.”

History of the 727 at FedEx

Introduction of this larger, mid-size jet freighter to the FedEx fleet was made possible by deregulation of the airline industry in 1977, giving the upstart express carrier access to more domestic markets and bringing immediate operational efficiencies because of greater payload capabilities. FedEx operated only small Dassault Falcons before the industry was deregulated. An exemption then allowed a company to enter the common carrier business if its payloads were less than 7,500 pounds.

It was January 14, 1978 when then-Federal Express took delivery in Memphis of its first 727 aircraft, which was purchased from Eastern Airlines. On that day, Frederick W. Smith, chairman, president and chief executive officer, FedEx Corporation, told several hundred employees and guests at the delivery event, “Many people look at this airplane and believe that Federal Express has arrived at the end of a long road. This is not the end of anything. It is simply the beginning.”

Early FedEx acquisitions of used 727s from other carriers were followed by new aircraft purchases from Boeing, with the last 727 leaving the manufacturer’s assembly line and being delivered to FedEx in 1984. The express carrier at one point was the world’s largest operator of 727s, with 170 of the aircraft in its fleet at any one time.

Modernization of the FedEx Fleet

FedEx began retiring its 727-200 fleet in 2007 and replacing them with more modern Boeing 757 airplanes. The retirement cycle accelerated under the fleet modernization program that through the last several years included more 757 freighters, as well as new Boeing 777 long-range freighters, which are the biggest in the FedEx fleet and the world’s largest twin-engine cargo aircraft. This fall, FedEx begins taking delivery of new Boeing 767 aircraft to replace its aging MD-10 freighters.

As with the other aircraft types being introduced, the 767s will provide significantly improved reliability and are substantially more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly than the aircraft they will replace. FedEx is committed to reducing its aircraft carbon emissions 30 percent by the year 2020 under its fleet modernization program. It expects to source at least 30 percent of its jet fuel from alternative fuels by the year 2030.

“As we celebrate our company’s 40^th anniversary, we can look back at an aircraft bloodline that has been impressive,” Bronczek said. “From the small Falcons, which served us well when the company was young, to our 727s, to what is now the largest fleet of express cargo aircraft in the world, our transportation capabilities for global customers is unmatched in the industry. Equally impressive are the innovation, technology and environmental benefits of the new aircraft we are adding.”

Continuation of Service

Not only are FedEx 727s being retired, but nearly half of the fleet has been donated coast-to-coast to aviation schools, colleges and local communities in the last several years.

From Anchorage to Austin, from Billings to Buffalo, from Sioux City to Shreveport and many points between, FedEx aircraft donations support school curriculums that are developing the next generation of aviation professionals. The donated aircraft are also being used for training by emergency response teams at local airports and fire departments.

For FedEx pilots like Capt. Chip Groner, who piloted a 727 for about 10 years, closing the door on 727 operations is a turning point not only for FedEx but for the aviation industry.

“The 727 was a mainstay aircraft and one of the most dependable we ever had in our fleet. More importantly, it was the plane that really put FedEx on the map as an overnight express carrier,” the 35-year FedEx crew member said. “It’s the end of an era, but it’s only natural because of changing technology that improves the fuel and operational efficiencies of today’s new aircraft. The 727, for many pilots, will always be the airplane that really brought the airline industry into the jet age.”

Copyright Photo: Bruce Drum/AirlinersGallery.com. Still wearing its Eastern Airlines registration, the pictured Boeing 727-25C N8161G (msn 19717) in the original 1973 Federal Express livery, later became N125FE with FedEx.

FedEx Express:

Video: The MEM Airport water saluted the last FedEx 727 arrival, operated by ex-Braniff Boeing 727-227 (F) N481FE (msn 21463).

Video: This FedEx Boeing 727 was donated to the University of Alaska’s Aviation Department. It is pictured landing for the last time at Merrill Field’s runway 25 in downtown Anchorage.

FedEx Corporation reports net income of $679 million in the fiscal 4Q and $1.98 billion for the year

FedEx Corporation (FedEx Express) (Memphis) reported earnings of $2.13 per diluted share for the fourth quarter ended May 31. This excludes a $0.98 per diluted share business realignment program charge and a previously announced $0.20 per diluted share noncash aircraft impairment charge at FedEx Express. Including these charges, fourth quarter earnings were $0.95 per diluted share.

Last year’s fourth quarter earnings were $1.99 per diluted share, excluding a $0.26 per diluted share noncash aircraft impairment charge at FedEx Express. Including last year’s charge, earnings were $1.73 per diluted share.

“FedEx Ground posted another strong year and FedEx Freight margins continued to improve,” said Frederick W. Smith, FedEx Corp. chairman, president and chief executive officer. “These positive developments did not fully offset tepid economic growth and customer preference for less costly international shipping services. FedEx Express results improved in the fourth quarter, and while near-term challenges remain, we are confident we are positioning FedEx for profitable, long-term growth.”

Fourth Quarter Results

FedEx Corp. reported the following consolidated results for the fourth quarter:

	Fiscal 2013		Fiscal 2012
	Adjusted (non-GAAP)	As Reported (GAAP)	Adjusted (non-GAAP)	As Reported (GAAP)
Revenue	$11.4 billion	$11.4 billion	$11.0 billion	$11.0 billion
Operating Income	$1.10 billion	$502 million	$990 million	$856 million
Operating Margin	9.6%	4.4%	9.0%	7.8%
Net Income	$679 million	$303 million	$634 million	$550 million
Diluted EPS	$2.13	$0.95	$1.99	$1.73

As announced on June 3, during the quarter FedEx Express permanently retired 10 aircraft and related engines. As a consequence, a noncash impairment charge of $100 million ($63 million, net of tax, or $0.20 per diluted share) was recorded in the fourth quarter.

Excluding business realignment program costs and aircraft impairment charges from this year and aircraft impairment charges from last year, “adjusted” operating results improved due to continued strong FedEx Ground performance and better FedEx Express performance.

Full Year Results

FedEx Corp. reported the following consolidated results for the full year:

	Fiscal 2013		Fiscal 2012
	Adjusted (non-GAAP)	As Reported (GAAP)	Adjusted (non-GAAP)	As Reported (GAAP)
Revenue	$44.3 billion	$44.3 billion	$42.7 billion	$42.7 billion
Operating Income	$3.21 billion	$2.55 billion	$3.28 billion	$3.19 billion
Operating Margin	7.3%	5.8%	7.7%	7.5%
Net Income	$1.98 billion	$1.56 billion	$2.09 billion	$2.03 billion
Diluted EPS	$6.23	$4.91	$6.59	$6.41

Capital spending for fiscal 2013 was $3.4 billion, down from $4.0 billion in fiscal 2012.

Business Realignment Program Update

In October, the company announced profit improvement programs, which include a voluntary employee separation program. The program was completed during the fourth quarter, and approximately 3,600 employees will be voluntarily leaving the company in phases to ensure a smooth transition. Approximately 40% of the employees vacated their positions on May 31, 2013 in the first phase. Approximately 25% of the employees will vacate their positions in the final phase at the end of fiscal 2014.

The company incurred costs of $496 million ($313 million, net of tax, or $0.98 per diluted share) during the fourth quarter and $560 million ($353 million, net of tax, or $1.11 per diluted share) during fiscal 2013, associated with the business realignment activities. The cost of the voluntary employee separation program is included in the “Business realignment, impairment and other charges” line of the company’s statements of income. Business realignment program costs at FedEx Services have been allocated to the operating segments through the “Intercompany charges” line of each segment’s statement of income.

Outlook

FedEx is revising its earnings guidance practices to focus on full fiscal year projections with quarterly updates. For fiscal 2014, the company projects earnings per share growth of 7% to 13% from fiscal 2013 adjusted results. This assumes the current market outlook for fuel prices, U.S. GDP growth of 2.3% and world GDP growth of 2.7%. Capital spending for fiscal 2014 is expected to be approximately $4 billion.

“We remain focused on improving margins and returns in all of our businesses. The pace of that improvement is expected to be moderate in fiscal 2014 and then accelerate in fiscal 2015,” said Alan B. Graf, Jr., FedEx Corp. executive vice president and chief financial officer. “Our profit improvement program is progressing, but we continue to see the effects of customers selecting lower-rate international services. FedEx Express will further decrease capacity between Asia and the United States in July.”

FedEx Express Segment

For the fourth quarter, the FedEx Express segment reported:

Revenue of $6.98 billion, up 3% from last year’s $6.80 billion
Adjusted operating income of $460 million, up 11% from $415 million a year ago. Including charges, operating income of $0, down from $281 million last year.
Adjusted operating margin of 6.6%, up from 6.1% the previous year. Including charges, operating margin of 0.0%, down from 4.1% last year.

Adjusted operating income and margin improved despite the demand shift toward lower yielding international services, as the net impact of the fuel surcharge timing lag, capacity reductions and other cost reduction activities benefited the quarter’s results. Direct and intercompany costs associated with the business realignment programs and the aircraft impairment charge impacted operating income and margin by $460 million and 6.6 percentage points, respectively. Last year’s results included a $134 million aircraft impairment charge.

Revenue increased due to this year’s business acquisitions and growth at FedEx Trade Networks. U.S. domestic average daily package volume increased 2% and U.S. domestic revenue per package increased 1%, as higher rate per pound and weight per package were offset by lower fuel surcharges. FedEx International Economy volume grew 11%, while FedEx International Priority volume decreased 2% during the quarter. International export revenue per package fell 2% due primarily to lower rates.

FedEx Express is pleased to have been selected as the sole awardee of the recent U.S. Postal Service air cargo solicitation, representing the majority of the USPS’s air line-haul traffic. This new seven year agreement, valued at approximately $10.5 billion, begins on October 1, 2013. The agreement provides reduced rates for the USPS versus the prior FedEx Express agreement and offers the opportunity for incremental revenue.

In other news, FedEx Corporation also announced that it has completed the first stage of a strategic acquisition by signing agreements to acquire the businesses operated by its current service provider Supaswift (Pty) Ltd. in five countries in Southern Africa, including South Africa, Malawi, Mozambique, Swaziland and Zambia, and is also in discussions to acquire Supaswift’s businesses in Botswana and Namibia. These acquisitions will operate under the FedEx Express business unit and the transaction is subject to necessary regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.

Once the acquisition is completed, FedEx Express will have direct access across the seven markets to 39 facilities and will welcome approximately 1,000 of Supaswift’s team members, who will join the ranks of more than 300,000 FedEx team members globally. FedEx Express will then offer a complete suite of FedEx branded export, import and domestic solutions, connecting Southern Africa to more than 220 countries and territories worldwide, enhancing customers’ business flexibility and speed to market.

Copyright Photo: Ken Petersen/AirlinersGallery.com. FedEx has been building up a large Boeing 757 fleet to replace its older Boeing 727s. Formerly operated by Britannia Airways/Thomsonfly/Thomson Airways as G-BYAS, 757-204 (F) N925FD (msn 27238) departs from the Memphis sorting hub.

FedEx Express: