FedEx Reports Second Quarter Diluted EPS of $3.03 and Adjusted Diluted EPS of $4.05

Rhea-AI Summary

FedEx (FDX) reported Q2 FY2025 results with revenue of $22.0 billion and adjusted diluted EPS of $4.05, compared to $22.2 billion and $3.99 in the previous year. The company completed $1 billion in share repurchases during the quarter and plans an additional $500 million buyback in fiscal 2025.

Key developments include the decision to separate FedEx Freight into a new publicly traded company within 18 months. The company revised its FY2025 outlook, now expecting flat revenue year-over-year and adjusted EPS of $19.00-$20.00, down from previous guidance of $20.00-$21.00.

Operating results were impacted by lower FedEx Freight performance due to weak U.S. industrial production, offset by cost reduction benefits from DRIVE initiatives and higher base yields across segments.

Positive

• Completed $1 billion share repurchase, benefiting EPS by $0.07
• Federal Express segment showed operating profit growth despite headwinds
• Higher base yields achieved across all transportation segments
• On track for $2.2 billion in permanent cost reductions from DRIVE program

Negative

• Revenue declined to $22.0B from $22.2B year-over-year
• Operating margin decreased to 4.8% from 5.8% year-over-year
• Lowered FY2025 EPS guidance to $19.00-$20.00 from $20.00-$21.00
• Weak U.S. domestic demand and industrial production affecting performance
• Loss of U.S. Postal Service contract impacting Federal Express segment

Insights

Financial Analyst

FedEx's Q2 results reveal significant strategic shifts and financial headwinds.

The $1 billion share repurchase program and planned separation of FedEx Freight mark decisive strategic moves. Revenue remained flat at $22.0 billion, while adjusted operating margin slightly contracted to 6.3% from 6.4% year-over-year. The downward revision of FY2025 guidance, with adjusted EPS now expected between $19.00 and $20.00 versus previous $20.00 to $21.00, signals ongoing challenges.

The planned FedEx Freight separation could unlock shareholder value but comes amid challenging LTL market conditions. Cost reduction initiatives through the DRIVE program remain on track for $2.2 billion in permanent savings, important for maintaining profitability in a weak demand environment. The $5.0 billion cash position provides financial flexibility, while the commitment to $3.8 billion in shareholder returns demonstrates confidence in cash flow generation despite headwinds.

Market Research Analyst

The industrial shipping sector faces significant structural changes, evidenced by FedEx's performance metrics. The decline in FedEx Freight's results, driven by weak U.S. industrial production and reduced LTL demand, reflects broader economic challenges. Base yield improvements across segments partially offset volume pressures, indicating effective pricing strategies despite market headwinds.

The loss of the U.S. Postal Service contract and domestic package weakness highlight evolving market dynamics. The planned FedEx Freight separation represents a strategic response to changing industry conditions, potentially creating two more focused entities better positioned to address distinct market opportunities. The flat revenue forecast suggests continued market challenges through 2025, though cost optimization efforts could help maintain profitability levels.

Logistics Expert

The operational transformation at FedEx shows mixed results. The DRIVE program's efficiency initiatives are delivering cost benefits, particularly visible in the Federal Express segment's improved adjusted operating results. However, the challenges in the freight segment, including reduced shipment volumes and lower weight per shipment, indicate broader logistics sector pressures.

The planned separation of FedEx Freight could optimize network efficiency and allow for more specialized operational focus. The $5.2 billion capital spending commitment, prioritizing network optimization and modernization, demonstrates a strategic focus on long-term operational excellence. The successful Peak season execution despite various headwinds suggests operational resilience, though sustained volume weakness remains a concern for network utilization and efficiency metrics.

$1 Billion Share Repurchases Completed During Quarter

Full-Year Fiscal 2025 Earnings Outlook Revised

FedEx Completes FedEx Freight Assessment, Will Pursue Full Separation and Create a New Publicly Traded LTL Company

MEMPHIS, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) today reported the following consolidated results for the second quarter ended November 30 (adjusted measures exclude the item listed below):

		Fiscal 2025				Fiscal 2024
		As Reported (GAAP)		Adjusted (non-GAAP)		As Reported (GAAP)		Adjusted (non-GAAP)
Revenue		$22.0 billion		$22.0 billion		$22.2 billion		$22.2 billion
Operating income		$1.05 billion		$1.38 billion		$1.28 billion		$1.42 billion
Operating margin		4.8%		6.3%		5.8%		6.4%
Net income		$0.74 billion		$0.99 billion		$0.90 billion		$1.01 billion
Diluted EPS		$3.03		$4.05		$3.55		$3.99

This year’s and last year’s quarterly consolidated results have been adjusted for:

Impact per diluted share		Fiscal 2025		Fiscal 2024
Business optimization costs		$1.02		$0.44

“Our second quarter results demonstrate that our efforts to transform our operations are working. The Federal Express segment delivered operating profit growth despite several headwinds, including the continued weak U.S. domestic demand environment as well as the expiration of our U.S. Postal Service contract,” said Raj Subramaniam, FedEx Corp. president and chief executive officer. “I am proud of the team for continuing to deliver solid service to our customers throughout the Peak season, as we create a more flexible, efficient, and intelligent network.”

Consolidated operating results were negatively affected by lower-than-expected FedEx Freight revenue and profit, as sustained weakness in U.S. industrial production continued to pressure less-than-truckload industry demand. The lower FedEx Freight results were mostly offset by cost reduction benefits at Federal Express from DRIVE program initiatives and higher base yields at each transportation segment.

Federal Express segment adjusted operating results improved during the quarter, driven by cost reduction benefits from DRIVE, higher base yield, and increased international export volume. These factors were partially offset by higher wage and purchased transportation rates, the expiration of the U.S. Postal Service contract for transportation services on September 29, 2024, and U.S. domestic package demand weakness.

FedEx Freight segment operating results decreased during the quarter due to fewer shipments, lower fuel surcharges, and reduced weight per shipment, partially offset by higher base yield. Last year's second quarter operating income included a $30 million gain on the sale of facilities.

Share Repurchase Program

FedEx completed $1 billion in share repurchases via open market and accelerated share repurchase transactions during the quarter. Approximately 3.7 million shares were delivered from the transactions, with the decrease in outstanding shares benefiting second quarter results by $0.07 per diluted share.

The company expects to repurchase an additional $500 million of common stock during fiscal 2025, for a buyback total of $2.5 billion. As of November 30, 2024, $3.1 billion remained available for repurchases under the company's 2024 stock repurchase authorization.

Cash on-hand as of November 30, 2024, was $5.0 billion.

FedEx Freight Assessment

Earlier today, FedEx announced that its Board of Directors has concluded a comprehensive assessment of the role of FedEx Freight as part of its portfolio and has decided to pursue a full separation through the capital markets, creating a new publicly traded company.

The separation is expected to be achieved in a tax-efficient manner for FedEx stockholders and executed within the next 18 months.

Additional information can be found in the related press release at investors.fedex.com.

Outlook

FedEx is unable to forecast the fiscal 2025 mark-to-market ("MTM") retirement plans accounting adjustments. As a result, FedEx is unable to provide a fiscal 2025 earnings per share ("EPS") or effective tax rate ("ETR") outlook on a GAAP basis and is relying on the exemption provided by the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). It is reasonably possible that the fiscal 2025 MTM retirement plans accounting adjustments could have a material effect on fiscal 2025 consolidated financial results and ETR.

FedEx is revising its fiscal 2025 revenue and earnings forecasts, and now expects:

• Approximately flat revenue year over year, compared to the prior forecast of a low single-digit percentage increase;
• Diluted EPS of $16.45 to $17.45 before the MTM retirement plans accounting adjustments compared to the prior forecast of $17.90 to $18.90 per share; and $19.00 to $20.00 per share after also excluding costs related to business optimization initiatives, compared to the prior forecast of $20.00 to $21.00 per share; and
• ETR of approximately 24.0% prior to the MTM retirement plans accounting adjustments, compared to the prior forecast of approximately 24.5%.

FedEx is reaffirming its forecast of:

• Permanent cost reductions from the DRIVE transformation program of $2.2 billion; and
• Capital spending of $5.2 billion, with a priority on investments in network optimization and efficiency improvement, including fleet and facility modernization and automation.

These forecasts assume the company's current economic forecast and fuel price expectations, successful completion of the planned stock repurchases, and no additional adverse economic or geopolitical developments. FedEx’s ETR and EPS forecasts are based on current law and related regulations and guidance.

“I remain confident FedEx will continue to grow earnings this year despite the challenging demand environment, as we focus on transforming operations and improving revenue quality,” said John Dietrich, FedEx Corp. executive vice president and chief financial officer. “We are resolute in our strategy to prudently manage our capital expenditures, and expect to deliver on our commitment to return $3.8 billion to stockholders this fiscal year.”

Corporate Overview

FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) provides customers and businesses worldwide with a broad portfolio of transportation, e-commerce and business services. With annual revenue of $87 billion, the company offers integrated business solutions utilizing its flexible, efficient, and intelligent global network. Consistently ranked among the world's most admired and trusted employers, FedEx inspires its more than 500,000 employees to remain focused on safety, the highest ethical and professional standards and the needs of their customers and communities. FedEx is committed to connecting people and possibilities around the world responsibly and resourcefully, with a goal to achieve carbon-neutral operations by 2040. To learn more, please visit fedex.com/about.

Additional information and operating data are contained in the company’s annual report, Form 10-K, Form 10-Qs, Form 8-Ks and Statistical Books. These materials, as well as a webcast of the earnings release conference call to be held at 5:30 p.m. EST on December 19, are available on the company’s website at investors.fedex.com. A replay of the conference call webcast will be posted on our website following the call.

The Investor Relations page of our website, investors.fedex.com, contains a significant amount of information about FedEx, including our SEC filings and financial and other information for investors. The information that we post on our Investor Relations website could be deemed to be material information. We encourage investors, the media and others interested in the company to visit this website from time to time, as information is updated and new information is posted.

Certain statements in this press release may be considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act, such as statements regarding expected cost savings, the optimization of our network through Network 2.0, the planned tax-free full separation of the FedEx Freight business into a new independent publicly traded company (the "FedEx Freight Separation"), future financial targets, business strategies, management’s views with respect to future events and financial performance, and the assumptions underlying such expected cost savings, targets, strategies, and statements. Forward-looking statements include those preceded by, followed by or that include the words “will,” “may,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “believes,” “expects,” “forecasts,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “estimates,” “targets,” “projects,” “intends” or similar expressions. 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; our ability to successfully implement our business strategy and global transformation program and optimize our network through Network 2.0, effectively respond to changes in market dynamics, and achieve the anticipated benefits of such strategies and actions; our ability to achieve our cost reduction initiatives and financial performance goals; the timing and amount of any costs or benefits or any specific outcome, transaction, or change (of which there can be no assurance), or the terms, timing, and structure thereof, related to our global transformation program and other ongoing reviews and initiatives; a significant data breach or other disruption to our technology infrastructure; our ability to successfully implement the FedEx Freight Separation and achieve the anticipated benefits of such transaction; damage to our reputation or loss of brand equity; our ability to remove costs related to services provided to the U.S. Postal Service ("USPS") under the contract for Federal Express Corporation to provide the USPS domestic transportation services that expired on September 29, 2024; our ability to meet our labor and purchased transportation needs while controlling related costs; failure of third-party service providers to perform as expected, or disruptions in our relationships with those providers or their provision of services to FedEx; the effects of a widespread outbreak of an illness or any other communicable disease or public health crises; anti-trade measures and additional changes in international trade policies and relations; the effect of any international conflicts or terrorist activities, including as a result of the current conflicts between Russia and Ukraine and in the Middle East; changes in fuel prices or currency exchange rates, including significant increases in fuel prices as a result of the ongoing conflicts between Russia and Ukraine and in the Middle East and other geopolitical and regulatory developments; the effect of intense competition; our ability to match capacity to shifting volume levels; an increase in self-insurance accruals and expenses; failure to receive or collect expected insurance coverage; our ability to effectively operate, integrate, leverage, and grow acquired businesses and realize the anticipated benefits of acquisitions and other strategic transactions; noncash impairment charges related to our goodwill and certain deferred tax assets; the future rate of e-commerce growth; evolving or new U.S. domestic or international laws and government regulations, policies, and actions; future guidance, regulations, interpretations, challenges, or judicial decisions related to our tax positions; labor-related disruptions; legal challenges or changes related to service providers contracted to conduct certain linehaul and pickup-and-delivery operations and the drivers providing services on their behalf and the coverage of U.S. employees at Federal Express Corporation under the Railway Labor Act of 1926, as amended; our ability to quickly and effectively restore operations following adverse weather or a localized disaster or disturbance in a key geography; any liability resulting from and the costs of defending against litigation; our ability to achieve our goal of carbon-neutral operations by 2040; and other factors which can be found in FedEx Corp.’s and its subsidiaries’ press releases and FedEx Corp.’s filings with the SEC, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2024, and subsequently filed Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made. We do not undertake or assume any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

The financial section of this release is provided on the company's website at investors.fedex.com.

RECONCILIATIONS OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES TO GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

Second Quarter Fiscal 2025 and Fiscal 2024 Results

The company reports its financial results in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP” or “reported”). We have supplemented the reporting of our financial information determined in accordance with GAAP with certain non-GAAP (or “adjusted”) financial measures, including our adjusted second quarter fiscal 2025 and 2024 consolidated operating income and margin, income taxes, net income and diluted earnings per share and adjusted second quarter fiscal 2025 and 2024 Federal Express segment operating income and margin. These financial measures have been adjusted to exclude the effects of business optimization costs incurred in fiscal 2025 and 2024.

In fiscal 2023, FedEx announced DRIVE, a comprehensive program to improve the company’s long-term profitability. This program includes a business optimization plan to drive efficiency among our transportation segments, lower our overhead and support costs, and transform our digital capabilities. We incurred costs associated with our business optimization initiatives in the second quarter of fiscal 2025 and fiscal 2024. These costs were primarily related to professional services and severance.

Costs related to business optimization initiatives are excluded from our second quarter fiscal 2025 and 2024 consolidated and Federal Express segment non-GAAP financial measures because they are unrelated to our core operating performance and to assist investors with assessing trends in our underlying businesses.

The income tax effect of the business optimization initiatives is calculated based upon the tax laws and statutory income tax rates applicable in the tax jurisdiction(s) of the underlying non-GAAP adjustment. The impact of these non-GAAP items on the company’s effective tax rate represents the difference in the effective tax rate calculated with and without the non-GAAP adjustment.

We believe these adjusted financial measures facilitate analysis and comparisons of our ongoing business operations because they exclude items that may not be indicative of, or are unrelated to, the company’s and our business segments’ core operating performance, and may assist investors with comparisons to prior periods and assessing trends in our underlying businesses. These adjustments are consistent with how management views our businesses. Management uses these non-GAAP financial measures in making financial, operating and planning decisions and evaluating the company’s and each business segment’s ongoing performance.

Our non-GAAP financial measures are intended to supplement and should be read together with, and are not an alternative or substitute for, and should not be considered superior to, our reported financial results. Accordingly, users of our financial statements should not place undue reliance on these non-GAAP financial measures. Because non-GAAP financial measures are not standardized, it may not be possible to compare these financial measures with other companies’ non-GAAP financial measures having the same or similar names. As required by SEC rules, the tables below present a reconciliation of our presented non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measures.

Fiscal 2025 Earnings Per Share and Effective Tax Rate Forecasts

Our fiscal 2025 EPS forecast is a non-GAAP financial measure because it excludes fiscal 2025 MTM retirement plans accounting adjustments and estimated costs related to business optimization initiatives in fiscal 2025. Our fiscal 2025 ETR forecast is a non-GAAP financial measure because it excludes the effect of fiscal 2025 MTM retirement plans accounting adjustments.

We have provided these non-GAAP financial measures for the same reasons that were outlined above for historical non-GAAP measures. Costs related to business optimization initiatives are excluded from our fiscal 2025 EPS forecast for the same reasons described above for historical non-GAAP measures.

We are unable to predict the amount of the MTM retirement plans accounting adjustments, as they are significantly affected by changes in interest rates and the financial markets, so such adjustments are not included in our fiscal 2025 EPS and ETR forecasts. For this reason, a full reconciliation of our fiscal 2025 EPS and ETR forecasts to the most directly comparable GAAP measures is impracticable. It is reasonably possible, however, that our fiscal 2025 MTM retirement plans accounting adjustments could have a material effect on our fiscal 2025 consolidated financial results and ETR.

The table included below titled “Fiscal 2025 Diluted Earnings Per Share Forecast” outlines the effects of the items that are excluded from our fiscal 2025 EPS forecast, other than the MTM retirement plans accounting adjustments.

Second Quarter Fiscal 2025

FedEx Corporation

		Operating				Income		Net		Diluted Earnings
Dollars in millions, except EPS		Income		Margin		Taxes1		Income2		Per Share
GAAP measure		$1,052		4.8%		$240		$741		$3.03
Business optimization costs3		326		1.5%		77		249		1.02
Non-GAAP measure		$1,378		6.3%		$317		$990		$4.05

Federal Express Segment

		Operating
Dollars in millions		Income		Margin
GAAP measure		$1,052		5.6%
Business optimization costs		206		1.1%
Non-GAAP measure		$1,258		6.7%

Second Quarter Fiscal 2024

FedEx Corporation

		Operating				Income		Net		Diluted Earnings
Dollars in millions, except EPS		Income		Margin4		Taxes1		Income2		Per Share
GAAP measure		$1,276		5.8%		$302		$900		$3.55
Business optimization costs3		145		0.7%		35		110		0.44
Non-GAAP measure		$1,421		6.4%		$337		$1,010		$3.99

Federal Express Segment

		Operating
Dollars in millions		Income		Margin
GAAP measure		$1,035		5.5%
Business optimization costs		77		0.4%
Non-GAAP measure		$1,112		5.9%

Fiscal 2025 Diluted Earnings Per Share Forecast

Dollars in millions, except EPS		Adjustments		Diluted Earnings Per Share
Diluted earnings per share before MTM retirement plans accounting adjustments (non-GAAP)5				$16.45 to $17.45
Business optimization costs		$815
Income tax effect1		(195)
Net of tax effect		$620		2.55
Diluted earnings per share with adjustments (non-GAAP)5				$19.00 to $20.00

Notes:
1 –	Income taxes are based on the company’s approximate statutory tax rates applicable to each transaction.
2 –	Effect of “total other (expense) income” on net income amount not shown.
3 –	These expenses were recognized at Federal Express, as well as Corporate, other, and eliminations.
4 –	Does not sum to total due to rounding.
5 –	The MTM retirement plans accounting adjustments, which are impracticable to calculate at this time, are excluded.

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241219552151/en/

Media Contact:

Caitlin Maier

901-434-8100

mediarelations@fedex.com



Investor Relations Contact:

Jeni Hollander

901-818-7200

ir@fedex.com

Source: FedEx Corp.

FAQ

What are FedEx (FDX) Q2 2025 earnings per share?

FedEx reported Q2 FY2025 diluted EPS of $3.03 (GAAP) and adjusted diluted EPS of $4.05.

How much did FDX spend on share repurchases in Q2 2025?

FedEx completed $1 billion in share repurchases during Q2 FY2025, delivering approximately 3.7 million shares.

What is FedEx's revised EPS guidance for fiscal 2025?

FedEx revised its FY2025 adjusted EPS guidance to $19.00-$20.00, down from the previous forecast of $20.00-$21.00.

What are FDX's plans for FedEx Freight division?

FedEx plans to separate FedEx Freight into a new publicly traded company within the next 18 months through the capital markets.

How much additional share buyback does FDX plan for fiscal 2025?

FedEx plans to repurchase an additional $500 million of common stock during fiscal 2025, bringing the total buyback to $2.5 billion.