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FedEx Archives: 2003 Press Releases


FedEx Corp. Reports Record Revenue and Earnings; Fourth Quarter Net Income Increases 19 Percent



    Business Editors
    MEMPHIS, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 24, 2003--FedEx Corporation (NYSE: FDX) today reported earnings of $0.92 per diluted share for the quarter ended May 31, compared to $0.78 per diluted share reported last year.

    Fourth Quarter Results

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

-- Revenue of $5.83 billion, up 8% from $5.42 billion the previous year
-- Operating income of $492 million, up 18% from $416 million a year ago
-- Net income of $280 million, up 19% from last year's $236 million

    Total average daily package volume at FedEx Express and FedEx Ground grew a combined 5% year over year for the quarter, due to continued strong growth at Ground and in international express shipments.

    Full Year Results

    For the full fiscal year, FedEx Corp. reported earnings of $2.74 per diluted share. Last year's reported earnings were $2.34 per diluted share including a non-cash charge from an accounting change of $0.05. Additional consolidated results for the fiscal year were:

    -- Revenue of $22.5 billion, up 9% from $20.6 billion the
    previous year

    -- Operating income of $1.47 billion, up 11% from $1.32 billion a
    year ago

    -- Net income of $830 million, up 17% from last year's $710
    million

    "FedEx achieved record earnings during the year, as the company advanced its strategy of being a full service transportation company with the broadest choices in the industry," said Frederick W. Smith, chairman, president and chief executive officer. "Our strategy execution enabled the company to improve its revenue, earnings and returns during the year, posting a strong performance despite challenging economic conditions."
    "FedEx's return on invested capital improved in fiscal 2003, as earnings continued to increase and the company's capital intensity declined," said Alan B. Graf, Jr., executive vice president and chief financial officer. "We believe that our efforts, combined with an improving economy, will provide FedEx improved profitability and cash flow."
    Capital spending in fiscal 2003 was $1.5 billion, marking the fifth consecutive year of reduced capital expenditures. The company generated solid positive cash flow during the year despite over $1 billion in pension contributions. The company also repurchased 3.275 million shares of FedEx stock at a cost of $186 million, disbursed $60 million in cash dividends, and increased its cash level by $207 million during 2003. A total of 3.375 million shares remain under the existing share repurchase authorization.
    The company recently announced that it would offer two new programs at FedEx Express during fiscal 2004 to enable the company to continue resizing its U.S. organization and improve profitability. The first program will be a voluntary retirement option with an enhanced pension package to certain groups of employees age 50 or older. The second program will offer voluntary severance incentives to eligible employees. Both programs are limited to salaried U.S. staff and some management employees at FedEx Express. Depending on employee acceptance rates, the pretax charge for these programs is estimated to be in a range of $230 million to $290 million in fiscal 2004, with most of the charge to be incurred in the first half of the fiscal year. Approximately one-third of the pretax charge will be cash, with the remainder of the charge relating primarily to pension and post-retirement healthcare liabilities. The estimated savings from these programs are expected to be $100 million to $130 million in fiscal 2004, primarily in the second half of the fiscal year. The resulting net cost of these programs in fiscal 2004 is expected to be $130 million to $160 million. In fiscal 2005 and beyond, the estimated annual savings from these programs are expected to be $150 million to $190 million.

    Outlook

    During fiscal 2004, the company expects the U. S. economy to remain sluggish in its first fiscal quarter. Year-over-year economic improvement is expected to be evident in the second half of fiscal 2004, although sequential improvement may come earlier. The company believes that the fundamentals are in place for economic acceleration in the U.S. in the second half of fiscal 2004, including supportive conditions in the overall financial market, the recently approved tax stimulus package, continued accommodative monetary stance and improved consumer confidence.
    As previously disclosed, the company expects significant increases in pension and healthcare costs in fiscal 2004, the impacts of which will be realized throughout all four quarters. Earnings are expected to be $0.52 to $0.60 per diluted share in the first quarter, although the company continues to be concerned about the current state of the economy and June volume trends at Ground and Freight are tracking slightly below management's expectations. Earnings for the year are expected to be $3.00 to $3.15 per diluted share, as previously forecast.
    Both earnings ranges exclude the net impact from the FedEx Express voluntary early retirement and severance programs. Including the expected net cost of these programs of $0.25 to $0.30 per diluted share for fiscal 2004, earnings for the year are expected to be $2.70 to $2.90 per diluted share. Because eligible employees can accept these programs in either the first or second quarter of fiscal 2004, the net cost of these programs in the first quarter cannot be estimated. The company believes that excluding the net cost of these non-recurring programs from our earnings guidance will allow more meaningful comparison to prior periods of our expected operating performance in fiscal 2004.
    Capital spending for fiscal 2004 is forecast to be approximately $1.7 billion, with most of the year-over-year increase due to the previously announced multi-year expansion of the FedEx Ground network and to increased investment in information technology.

    FedEx Express

    For the fourth quarter, FedEx Express reported:

    -- Revenue of $4.26 billion, up 6% from last year's $4.00 billion

    -- Operating income of $297 million, up 26% from $236 million a
    year ago

    Despite one fewer operating day, FedEx Express fourth quarter operating margin increased to 7.0% this year from 5.9% last year. The increase was due to higher fuel surcharge revenue, strong FedEx International Priority(R) (IP) revenue growth, improved trends in salaries and employee benefits and maintenance expense and the effect of management cost control actions.
    Higher fuel surcharge revenue provided a $50 million net benefit to operating income in the fourth quarter. However, higher net fuel costs negatively impacted operating income by $24 million for the full year, as fuel surcharge revenue increases were not sufficient to offset higher jet fuel prices. These differences are due to the introduction of a dynamic international fuel surcharge and the timing lag that exists between when the company buys fuel and when the dynamic fuel surcharge indexes automatically adjust.
    FedEx IP average daily package volume grew more than 6% in the fourth quarter, led by 16% growth in Asia. FedEx IP revenue per package grew 10% for the quarter, primarily due to exchange rate differences and increased fuel surcharges. U.S. domestic express average daily package volume declined less than 1% during the quarter. U.S. domestic express package yield for the quarter improved 4% due to higher fuel surcharges and an increase in base rates.

    FedEx Ground

    For the fourth quarter, FedEx Ground reported:

    -- Revenue of $880 million, up 18% from last year's $743 million

    -- Operating income of $150 million, up 17% from $128 million a
    year ago

    FedEx Ground average daily package volume grew 13% in the fourth quarter, about 40% of which was attributable to FedEx Home Delivery growth. Yield per package increased 5%. Operating margin was 17.0% for the quarter. FedEx Ground management continues to focus on improving productivity and on closely managing its costs.
    FedEx Home Delivery was profitable in fiscal 2003, as coverage for this network was expanded to nearly 100% of the U.S. population during the year. There are now approximately 41,000 shippers that use the service, nearly double the number from a year ago.

    FedEx Freight

    For the fourth quarter, FedEx Freight reported:

    -- Revenue of $547 million, up 5% from last year's $522 million

    -- Operating income of $48 million, down 6% from $51 million a
    year ago

    FedEx Freight average daily shipments decreased 3% compared to last year's fourth quarter, reflecting the impact of the economy on its customers. Yield improved 10% over the previous year due to general rate increases, favorable contractual renewals, higher fuel surcharge revenues and additional volume from its premium longer-haul EZ Flyer service. Fourth quarter results included $2 million in rebranding expenses, bringing the total fiscal 2003 rebranding cost to $14 million. The FedEx Freight operating margin was 8.7% in the fourth quarter compared with a 9.8% operating margin a year ago, primarily due to higher employee benefits costs and to one fewer operating day in this year's quarter.
    FedEx Freight continues to expand its service offerings in collaboration with other FedEx companies. The latest offering is Ocean Ground Distribution which provides distribution from Asia to virtually all continental U. S. ZIP codes, employing the services of FedEx Freight, FedEx Trade Networks and FedEx Ground. A streamlined alternative to traditional ocean services from Asia, this service helps customers reduce inventory cycle time and the need for brick and mortar U.S. distribution facilities.

    Corporate Overview

    With annual revenues of $22 billion, FedEx Corp. is the premier global provider of transportation, e-commerce and supply chain management services. The company offers integrated business solutions through a network of subsidiaries operating independently, including: FedEx Express, the world's largest express transportation company; FedEx Ground, North America's second largest provider of small-package ground delivery service; FedEx Freight, the largest U.S. provider of regional less- than-truckload freight services; FedEx Custom Critical, North America's largest provider of expedited time-critical shipments; and FedEx Trade Networks, North America's largest customs broker and a provider of international freight forwarding and trade facilitation services. FedEx ranked highest in the J.D. Power and Associates 2002 Small Package Delivery Service Business Customer Satisfaction Study(SM) in the categories of air, ground and international delivery services.
    Additional information and operating data are contained in the company's annual report, Form 10-K, Form 10-Qs and fourth quarter FY2003 Statistical Book. These materials, as well as a Webcast of the earnings release conference call to be held at 8:30 a.m. EDT on June 24, are available on the company's Web site at www.fedex.com/us/investorrelations. A replay of the conference call Webcast will be posted on our Web site following the call.

    Certain statements in this press release may be considered forward-looking statements, such as statements relating to management's views with respect to future events and financial performance. 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, any impacts on the company's business resulting from the timing, speed and magnitude of the U.S. domestic economic recovery, the extent to which eligible employees participate in the company's voluntary retirement and severance programs, new U.S. domestic or international government regulation, the impact from any terrorist activities or international conflicts, the impact of rising fuel prices, our ability to match capacity to shifting volume levels, the timing and amount of any money that FedEx is entitled to receive under the Air Transportation Safety and System Stabilization Act and other factors which can be found in FedEx Corp.'s and its subsidiaries' press releases and filings with the SEC.


                   FEDEX CORP. FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS


                      Fourth Quarter Fiscal 2003
               (In millions, except earnings per share)

                          Three Months Ended         Year Ended
                                 May 31                 May 31
                              (Unaudited)
                         --------------------- -----------------------
                          2003    2002     %    2003     2002      %
                         ------- ------- ----- -------- -------- -----
Revenue:
  FedEx Express          $4,255  $3,999     6% $16,351  $15,327     7%
  FedEx Ground              880     743    18%   3,413    2,711    26%
  FedEx Freight             547     522     5%   2,120    1,960     8%
  Other                     148     152   (3%)     603      609   (1%)
                         ------- -------       -------- --------
    Total Revenue         5,830   5,416     8%  22,487   20,607     9%

Operating Expenses:
  Salaries and employee
   benefits               2,485   2,386     4%   9,778    9,099     7%
  Purchased
   transportation           553     474    17%   2,155    1,825    18%
  Rentals and landing
   fees                     442     432     2%   1,803    1,780     1%
  Depreciation and
   amortization             340     345   (1%)   1,351    1,364   (1%)
  Fuel                      367     283    30%   1,349    1,100    23%
  Maintenance and repairs   329     330   (0%)   1,398    1,240    13%
  Airline stabilization
   compensation              --      --    NM       --     (119)   NM
  Other                     822     750    10%   3,182    2,997     6%
                         ------- -------       -------- --------
    Total Operating
     Expenses             5,338   5,000     7%  21,016   19,286     9%

Operating Income:
  FedEx Express             297     236    26%     786      811   (3%)
  FedEx Ground              150     128    17%     495      337    47%
  FedEx Freight              48      51   (6%)     178      168     6%
  Other                      (3)      1    NM       12        5    NM
                         ------- -------       -------- --------
    Total Operating
     Income                 492     416    18%   1,471    1,321    11%

Other Income (Expense):
  Interest, net             (30)    (30)   --     (118)    (139) (15%)
  Other, net                (11)    (15) (27%)     (15)     (22) (32%)
                         ------- -------       -------- --------
    Total Other Income
     (Expense)              (41)    (45)  (9%)    (133)    (161) (17%)
                         ------- -------       -------- --------

Pretax Income               451     371    22%   1,338    1,160    15%

Provision for Income
 Taxes                      171     135    27%     508      435    17%
                         ------- -------       -------- --------

Income Before Goodwill
 Accounting Change          280     236    19%     830      725    14%

Net Income                 $280    $236    19%    $830     $710    17%
                         ======= =======       ======== ========

Diluted Earnings Per
 Share:

  Income Before
   Accounting Change      $0.92   $0.78    18%   $2.74    $2.39    15%
  Cumulative Effect of
   Accounting Change         --      --    NM       --    (0.05)   NM
                         ------- -------       -------- --------
     Diluted Earnings
      Per Share           $0.92   $0.78    18%   $2.74    $2.34    17%
                         ======= =======       ======== ========

Weighted Average Common
 and Common Equivalent
 Shares                     303     304   (0%)     303      303    --

Capital Expenditures       $337    $314     7%  $1,511   $1,615   (6%)

    Business Editors



                   FEDEX CORP. OPERATING HIGHLIGHTS


                      Fourth Quarter Fiscal 2003
     (In thousands, except yield, weight and operating weekdays)

                          Three Months Ended         Year Ended
                                 May 31                 May 31
                              (Unaudited)
                         --------------------- -----------------------
FEDEX EXPRESS              2003    2002    %      2003     2002    %
-------------            ------- ------- ----- -------- -------- -----

Operating Weekdays           64      65   (2%)     254      255   (0%)

AVG DAILY VOLUME / POUNDS
-------------------------
Average Daily Package
 Volume:

  U.S. Overnight Box      1,180   1,179     0%   1,176    1,170     1%
  U.S. Overnight Envelope   687     702   (2%)     679      699   (3%)
  U.S. Deferred             863     859     0%     897      868     3%
                         ------- -------       -------- --------
    Total U.S. Domestic
     Package              2,730   2,740   (0%)   2,752    2,737     1%
  International Priority    380     357     6%     369      340     9%
                         ------- -------       -------- --------
    Total Average Daily
     Packages             3,110   3,097     0%   3,121    3,077     1%
                         ======= =======       ======== ========

Average Daily Freight
 Pounds:

  U.S.                    8,324   9,145   (9%)   8,969    7,736    16%
  International           2,224   2,138     4%   2,174    2,082     4%
                         ------- -------       -------- --------
    Total Avg Daily
     Freight Pounds      10,548  11,283   (7%)  11,143    9,818    13%
                         ======= =======       ======== ========

YIELD
-----
Revenue Per Package:

  U.S. Overnight Box     $18.43  $17.86     3%  $18.18   $17.90     2%
  U.S. Overnight Envelope 10.16    9.78     4%    9.95     9.84     1%
  U.S. Deferred           11.40   10.89     5%   11.02    10.77     2%
                         ------- -------       -------- --------
    Total U.S. Domestic
     Package              14.13   13.60     4%   13.82    13.58     2%
  International Priority  48.74   44.24    10%   46.59    44.16     6%
                         ------- -------       -------- --------
    Composite Package
     Yield               $18.36  $17.13     7%  $17.69   $16.96     4%
                         ======= =======       ======== ========

Revenue Per Freight
 Pound:

  U.S.                    $0.73   $0.64    14%   $0.69    $0.65     6%
  International            0.75    0.70     7%    0.72     0.72    --
                         ------- -------       -------- --------
    Composite Freight
     Yield                $0.73   $0.65    12%   $0.69    $0.66     5%
                         ======= =======       ======== ========

FEDEX GROUND
------------

Operating Weekdays           64      64    --      252      253   (0%)

Average Daily Package
 Volume                   2,125   1,874    13%   2,168    1,755    24%
Yield                     $6.47   $6.19     5%   $6.25    $6.11     2%

FEDEX FREIGHT
-------------

Operating Weekdays           64      65   (2%)     252      253   (0%)

Average Daily Shipments      56      58   (3%)      56       56    --
Weight Per Shipment (lbs) 1,120   1,116     0%   1,114    1,114    --
Yield (Revenue/CWT)      $13.69  $12.50    10%  $13.40   $12.41     8%

FEDEX CORP.
-----------

Average Full-Time
 Equivalents (FTEs)         189     186     2%     191      185     3%

    Business Editors



           FEDEX CORP. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET


                      Fourth Quarter Fiscal 2003
                            (In millions)

                                                        Year Ended
                                                           May 31
                                                     -----------------
                                                       2003     2002
                                                     -------- --------
ASSETS
------

Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents                               $538     $331
Other current assets                                   3,403    3,334
                                                     -------- --------
  Total Current Assets                                 3,941    3,665

Net Property and Equipment                             8,700    8,302

Other Assets                                           2,744    1,845
                                                     -------- --------

                                                     $15,385  $13,812
                                                     ======== ========


LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' INVESTMENT
----------------------------------------

Current Liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt                       $308       $6
Other current liabilities                              3,027    2,847
                                                     -------- --------
  Total Current Liabilities                            3,335    2,853

Long-Term Debt, Less Current Portion                   1,709    1,800

Deferred Income Taxes and Other Liabilities            3,053    2,614

Total Common Stockholders' Investment                  7,288    6,545
                                                     -------- --------

                                                     $15,385  $13,812
                                                     ======== ========

    Business Editors



                  FEDEX CORP. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
                       STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS


                      Fourth Quarter Fiscal 2003
                             (In millions)

                                                        Year Ended
                                                           May 31
                                                     -----------------
                                                        2003     2002
                                                     -------- --------

Operating Activities:
  Net income                                            $830     $710
  Noncash charges (credits):
    Depreciation and amortization                      1,351    1,364
    Other, net                                           434      209
  Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net      (744)     (55)
                                                     -------- --------

Net cash provided by operating activities              1,871    2,228
                                                     -------- --------

Investing Activities:
  Capital expenditures                                (1,511)  (1,615)
  Business acquisitions, net of cash required             --      (35)
  Proceeds from asset dispositions                        22       27
  Other, net                                              (1)      11
                                                     -------- --------

Net cash used in investing activities                 (1,490)  (1,612)
                                                     -------- --------

                                                         381      616

Financing Activities:
  Dividends paid                                         (60)      --
  Other, net                                            (114)    (406)
                                                     -------- --------

Net cash used in financing activities                   (174)    (406)
                                                     -------- --------

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents                207      210

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period         331      121
                                                     -------- --------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period              $538     $331
                                                     ======== ========

    Business Editors



                  FEDEX EXPRESS FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS


                      Fourth Quarter Fiscal 2003
                      (In millions, except FTEs)


                          Three Months Ended         Year Ended
                                 May 31                 May 31
                              (Unaudited)
                         --------------------- -----------------------
                          2003    2002     %     2003     2002     %
                         ------- ------- ----- -------- -------- -----
Revenue                  $4,255  $3,999     6% $16,351  $15,327     7%

Operating Expenses:
  Salaries and employee
   benefits               1,747   1,680     4%   6,855    6,467     6%
  Purchased
   transportation           163     140    16%     608      562     8%
  Rentals and landing
   fees                     382     373     2%   1,548    1,524     2%
  Depreciation and
   amortization             201     204   (1%)     801      806   (1%)
  Fuel                      333     261    28%   1,231    1,009    22%
  Maintenance and repairs   247     262   (6%)   1,084      980    11%
  Airline stabilization
   compensation              --      --    NM       --     (119)   NM
  Intercompany charges      346     342     1%   1,347    1,332     1%
  Other                     539     501     8%   2,091    1,955     7%
                         ------- -------       -------- --------
    Total Operating
     Expenses             3,958   3,763     5%  15,565   14,516     7%
                         ------- -------       -------- --------

Operating Income            297     236    26%     786      811   (3%)

Other Income (Expense):
  Interest, net             (11)    (14) (21%)     (44)     (56) (21%)
  Other, net                (17)    (16)    6%     (53)     (52)    2%
                         ------- -------       -------- --------
                            (28)    (30)  (7%)     (97)    (108) (10%)
                         ------- -------       -------- --------

Pretax Income               269     206    31%     689      703   (2%)

Provision for Income
 Taxes                      101      74    36%     258      260   (1%)
                         ------- -------       -------- --------

Net Income                 $168    $132    27%    $431     $443   (3%)
                         ======= =======       ======== ========

Operating Margin            7.0%    5.9%           4.8%     5.3%

Average Full-Time
 Equivalents (000s)         119     120   (1%)     120      120    --

    Business Editors



                  FEDEX GROUND FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS


                      Fourth Quarter Fiscal 2003
                            (In millions)


                          Three Months Ended         Year Ended
                                 May 31                 May 31
                              (Unaudited)
                         --------------------- -----------------------
                          2003    2002     %    2003     2002      %
                         ------- ------- ----- -------- -------- -----
Revenue                    $880    $743    18%  $3,413   $2,711    26%

Operating Expenses:
  Salaries and employee
   benefits                 161     141    14%     637      532    20%
  Purchased
   transportation           328     274    20%   1,294    1,032    25%
  Rentals                    17      16     6%      79       71    11%
  Depreciation and
   amortization              40      34    18%     153      132    16%
  Fuel                        4       1    NM       11        4    NM
  Maintenance and repairs    22      18    22%      86       73    18%
  Intercompany charges       79      61    30%     329      238    38%
  Other                      79      70    13%     329      292    13%
                         ------- -------       -------- --------
    Total Operating
     Expenses               730     615    19%   2,918    2,374    23%
                         ------- -------       -------- --------

Operating Income           $150    $128    17%    $495     $337    47%
                         ======= =======       ======== ========

Operating Margin           17.0%   17.2%          14.5%    12.4%

    Business Editors



                  FEDEX FREIGHT FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS


                      Fourth Quarter Fiscal 2003
                            (In millions)


                          Three Months Ended         Year Ended
                                 May 31                 May 31
                              (Unaudited)
                         --------------------- -----------------------
                          2003    2002     %    2003     2002     %
                         ------- ------- ----- -------- --------------
Revenue                    $547    $522     5%  $2,120   $1,960     8%

Operating Expenses:
  Salaries and employee
   benefits                 322     308     5%   1,255    1,170     7%
  Purchased
   transportation            18      16    13%      68       57    19%
  Rentals                    15      16   (6%)      65       64     2%
  Depreciation and
   amortization              22      21     5%      83       86   (3%)
  Fuel                       25      18    39%      89       72    24%
  Maintenance and repairs    29      25    16%     113       90    26%
  Intercompany charges        2       2    --       13        8    63%
  Other                      66      65     2%     256      245     4%
                         ------- -------       -------- --------
    Total Operating
     Expenses               499     471     6%   1,942    1,792     8%
                         ------- -------       -------- --------

Operating Income            $48     $51   (6%)    $178     $168     6%
                         ======= =======       ======== ========

Operating Margin            8.7%    9.8%           8.4%     8.6%

    Business Editors

    --30--LC/na*

    CONTACT: FedEx Corporation, Memphis
             Media Contact:
             Shirlee Clark, 901/818-7463
             or
             Investor Contact:
             Jim Clippard, 901/818-7468
             Home Page: www.fedex.com

    KEYWORD: TENNESSEE
    INDUSTRY KEYWORD: TRANSPORTATION AIRLINES CONFERENCE CALLS
EARNINGS
    SOURCE: FedEx Corporation

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