FedEx results: the world has accelerated to meet our strategies

FedEx Corp. has reported its results for the first quarter ended August 31, revealing strong growth.

“Our earnings growth underscores the importance of our business initiatives and investments over the last several years, and, in many ways, the world has accelerated to meet our strategies,” said Frederick W. Smith, FedEx Corp. chairman and chief executive officer. “I would like to thank our team members whose efforts during this time have helped keep the world’s health care, industrial and at-home supply chains moving despite the challenges of the global pandemic.”

Operating results increased due to volume growth in FedEx International Priority and U.S. domestic residential package services, yield improvement at FedEx Ground and FedEx Freight, and one additional operating weekday. These factors were partially offset by costs to support strong demand and to expand services, variable compensation expenses, and COVID-19 related costs incurred to ensure the safety of FedEx team members and customers.

Outlook

FedEx is not providing an earnings forecast for fiscal 2021. The capital spending forecast for the year is up $200 million to $5.1 billion, driven by additional capacity initiatives to support increased volume levels.

“While business demand improved in the first quarter, continued uncertainties cloud our ability to forecast full-year earnings,” said Alan B. Graf, Jr., FedEx Corp. executive vice president and chief financial officer. “However, we expect to continue to benefit from our strong position in the U.S. and international package and freight markets, yield improvement opportunities and cost management initiatives.”